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The Acceptability, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of Wearable Activity Trackers for Increasing Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Author

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  • Amy V. Creaser

    (School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
    Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK)

  • Stacy A. Clemes

    (School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
    Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK)

  • Silvia Costa

    (School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Jennifer Hall

    (Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK)

  • Nicola D. Ridgers

    (School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong 3125, Australia)

  • Sally E. Barber

    (Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK)

  • Daniel D. Bingham

    (Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK)

Abstract

Wearable activity trackers (wearables) embed numerous behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that have previously been shown to increase adult physical activity (PA). With few children and adolescents achieving PA guidelines, it is crucial to explore ways to increase their PA. This systematic review examined the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of wearables and their potential mechanisms of action for increasing PA in 5 to 19-year-olds. A systematic search of six databases was conducted, including data from the start date of each database to December 2019 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020164506). Thirty-three studies were included. Most studies (70%) included only adolescents (10 to 19 years). There was some—but largely mixed—evidence that wearables increase steps and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA and reduce sedentary behaviour. There were no apparent differences in effectiveness based on the number of BCTs used and between studies using a wearable alone or as part of a multi-component intervention. Qualitative findings suggested wearables increased motivation to be physically active via self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback, and competition. However, children and adolescents reported technical difficulties and a novelty effect when using wearables, which may impact wearables’ long-term use. More rigorous and long-term studies investigating the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of wearables in 5 to 19-year-olds are warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy V. Creaser & Stacy A. Clemes & Silvia Costa & Jennifer Hall & Nicola D. Ridgers & Sally E. Barber & Daniel D. Bingham, 2021. "The Acceptability, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of Wearable Activity Trackers for Increasing Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-28, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6211-:d:571119
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michal Bronikowski & Malgorzata Bronikowska & Agata Glapa, 2016. "Do They Need Goals or Support? A Report from a Goal-Setting Intervention Using Physical Activity Monitors in Youth," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-12, September.
    2. Alessandro Liberati & Douglas G Altman & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Cynthia Mulrow & Peter C Gøtzsche & John P A Ioannidis & Mike Clarke & P J Devereaux & Jos Kleijnen & David Moher, 2009. "The PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions: Explanation and Elaboration," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-28, July.
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    1. Amy V. Creaser & Marie T. Frazer & Silvia Costa & Daniel D. Bingham & Stacy A. Clemes, 2022. "The Use of Wearable Activity Trackers in Schools to Promote Child and Adolescent Physical Activity: A Descriptive Content Analysis of School Staff’s Perspectives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Amy V. Creaser & Jennifer Hall & Silvia Costa & Daniel D. Bingham & Stacy A. Clemes, 2022. "Exploring Families’ Acceptance of Wearable Activity Trackers: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-36, March.

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