Older adults' experiences of using a wearable activity tracker with health professional feedback over a 12-month randomised controlled trial

K-J Brickwood; A. D. Williams; G. Watson; J. O'Brien

doi:10.1177/2055207620921678

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Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Older adults' experiences of using a wearable activity tracker with health professional feedback over a 12-month randomised controlled trial

K-J Brickwood, A. D. Williams, G. Watson and J. O'Brien

Digital health, Vol.6, pp.1-13

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2055207620921678

PMID: 32426152

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Abstract

Health Care Sciences & Services

Health Policy & Services

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Medical Informatics

Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Science & Technology

Objective Wearable activity trackers can help older adults remain physically active. However, knowledge of the user experience during long-term use is scarce. Therefore, this study examined older adults' experiences with, and perceptions of, wearable activity trackers combined with health professional feedback after a year's use as part of a randomised controlled trial. Methods Twenty older adults (73.6 +/- 5.5 years) who had used a Jawbone UP24 activity tracker for 12 months during a randomised controlled trial were recruited for this study. All participants had at least one chronic condition. Acceptability data relating to activity tracker wear time was combined with focus group data to explore participants experiences of long-term activity tracker use. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results The activity tracker was well-accepted with the device worn on an average of 86% of possible days and participants reported an overall positive experience. Four themes were identified: (a) increased sense of awareness of activity levels is related to motivation; (b) the level of engagement with the activity tracker influences the user experience; (c) the role of feedback from a health professional in providing ongoing support; d) the role of habits in supporting long-term behaviour change. Conclusions The use of an activity tracker combined with health professional support can assist older adults to maintain their activity levels over 12 months. Consideration should be given to the previous technology experience of users and the design and accuracy of an activity tracker when recommending their use in a research or clinical setting.

Details

Title: Older adults' experiences of using a wearable activity tracker with health professional feedback over a 12-month randomised controlled trial
Authors/Creators: K-J Brickwood - Univ Tasmania, Sch Hlth Sci, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tas 7250, Australia
A. D. Williams - Univ Tasmania, Sch Hlth Sci, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tas 7250, Australia
G. Watson
J. O'Brien - Univ Tasmania, Sch Hlth Sci, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tas 7250, Australia
Publication Details: Digital health, Vol.6, pp.1-13
Publisher: Sage
Identifiers: 991005548865507891
Murdoch Affiliation: College of Health and Education
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.44 Nutrition & Dietetics; 1.44.103 Physical Activity
Web Of Science research areas: Health Care Sciences & Services; Health Policy & Services; Medical Informatics; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine