Introduction
Direct-to-consumer mHealth devices are a potential asset to behavioral research but rarely tested as intervention
tools. This trial examined the accelerometer-based Fitbit tracker and website as a
low-touch physical activity intervention. The purpose of this study is to evaluate,
within an RCT, the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of integrating the Fitbit
tracker and website into a physical activity intervention for postmenopausal women.
Methods
Fifty-one inactive, postmenopausal women with BMI ≥25.0 were randomized to a 16-week
web-based self-monitoring intervention (n=25) or comparison group (n=26). The Web-Based Tracking Group received a Fitbit, instructional session, and follow-up
call at 4 weeks. The comparison group received a standard pedometer. All were asked
to perform 150 minutes/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Physical
activity outcomes were measured by the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer.
Results
Data were collected and analyzed in 2013–2014. Participants were aged 60 (SD=7) years
with BMI of 29.2 (3.5) kg/m2. Relative to baseline, the Web-Based Tracking Group increased MVPA by 62 (108) minutes/week
(p<0.01); 10-minute MVPA bouts by 38 (83) minutes/week (p=0.008); and steps by 789 (1,979) (p=0.01), compared to non-significant increases in the Pedometer Group (between-group
p=0.11, 0.28, and 0.30, respectively). The Web-Based Tracking Group wore the tracker
on 95% of intervention days; 96% reported liking the website and 100% liked the tracker.
Conclusions
The Fitbit was well accepted in this sample of women and associated with increased
physical activity at 16 weeks. Leveraging direct-to-consumer mHealth technologies aligned with behavior change theories can strengthen physical
activity interventions.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 10, 2015
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© 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc.
