•  
  •  
 

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(7): 561-574, 2018. Due to the availability of low-cost accelerometers, there has been an increase in the adoption of physical activity monitors (e.g., Fitbit®) (14) accompanied by a desire to understand the behavior change techniques (BCTs; 15) present in such monitors. One specific Fitbit® monitor incorporates 20 BCTs (15), but how users experience these BCTs has yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to explore user’s experience with the Fitbit Flex® regarding physical activity behavior and BCTs. The specific research objectives were to: 1) describe Fitbit Flex® users and 2) explore user’s engagement with the 20 BCTs. Participants (n=28) completed an online survey composed of questions about demographics, step volume, and perceived importance and/or frequency of use of the BCTs. Participants were mostly female (82.1%), between the ages of 18-71 years, and had used the Fitbit® for an average of 5 months. There was a significant increase of almost 2000 steps per day (p=0.003) from participants’ first week to their past week (i.e., last 7 days) of monitor use. The BCTs rated among the highest for perceived importance for physical activity behavior (i.e., step volume) were “feedback on behavior”, “self-monitoring of behavior”, and “goal setting (behavior)”. In brief, Fitbit® devices have the potential for increased step-based physical activity. As well, the present study contributes to understanding how user’s experience BCTs in the Fitbit Flex® which can inform future physical activity promotion and interventions.

Download

Share

COinS