By Alyssa Verwoert
As science continues to make technological advances, they eventually reach into all aspects of life. Fitness has been one of them. Fitness trackers have been around for a surprisingly long time. The history of these devices can be traced all the way back to the 1700s. However, in recent years they have become more advanced and more popular, and with good reason. Over time, fitness tracking devices and the technology being used has developed at a rapid pace. These trackers are not only for runners or avid gym-goers anymore. The wearable bands that have been produced by various companies are suitable for anyone. Activity trackers have changed the game for the average person. They conveniently and accurately allow in-depth records of workouts and health to be kept daily.
Fitness trackers are incredibly personal, and they are constantly collecting data as they are worn. They can track your sleep, pulse, heart rate variability, blood oxygenation, body temperature, blood sugar, calories burned, and steps taken throughout the day. As the devices gather this data, they can show trends over a week, months, or years. This volume and type of data was not accessible to the average consumer before they became widely available. Depending upon the make and model purchased, fitness trackers are relatively inexpensive devices. However, for determining activity levels and quantifying changes in physical activity over time, they may be thought to be priceless.
Multiple studies have been conducted to determine whether exercise trackers may help users to become healthier. Sadly, several notable studies have suggested that they do not. One such 2022 study was performed by researchers at the Duke-NUS Medical School. They compared the effectiveness of activity trackers, both with and without incentives, to increase physical activity. The results showed that fitness trackers did not significantly improve health outcomes, even when combined with incentives. Researchers concluded that, for significant, positive effects on health, long term incentives would need to be implemented for activity trackers to be effective.
Another aspect to consider is the accuracy of the wearable technology. A study was conducted in 2018 comparing the accuracy of wrist-worn activity monitors during Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and during structured exercise. This study compared two popular trackers: the Fitbit Charge 2, and the Garmin Vivosmart HR+. Researchers found that during low-intensity workouts both trackers were fairly accurate. But, during high-intensity workouts, they were far less accurate. They also found that energy expenditure estimates between both devices were inaccurate during any intensity of activity. Because one of the primary reasons to use fitness trackers is to accurately record data, it is concerning that the technology offers conflicting results depending upon make and model of the unit.
Does this mean that fitness trackers are a waste of time and money? Clearly, they have constraints, but that does not mean they are useless. Physical fitness will always solely be up to the wearer. Fitness trackers can, and do, improve physical fitness though for many people that are putting in the work. A 2017 study looked at behavioral changes using fitness technology in sedentary adults. The researchers concluded that, even though trackers have certain limitations, health and wellness professionals may successfully incorporate them to encourage physical activity when combined with behavioral health strategies. When they are used as a tool to encourage healthy habits, activity trackers could have considerable benefits. So, for anyone looking to either stay on track, or improve their fitness, this may be a useful the tool.
A large part of staying physically fit is maintaining a healthy heart. Fitness trackers have been shown to boost heart health, but only when used properly. A 2021 paper stated that “Being more active and changing your habits is important, but it can be difficult. Tracking likely helps a lot of people when combined with a clear goal to shoot for.” Simply being shown an objective daily record of physical activity seems to give people a “wake up call”. Providing that information may help them realize things they may not have noticed and could encourage them to start making changes. Such changes could be supported with continued use of the tracker. The 2021 paper listed five tips on how to use the tracker for a healthier heart: use the tracker consistently, set a goal, find activities you enjoy, recruit friends and family to use trackers as well, and be accountable.
The major takeaway is that fitness trackers may have a positive impact on physical health and fitness, but they alone will not make you healthier. This is a misconception associated with their use. Trackers are not a shortcut to peak fitness and health. They can only encourage new habits or strengthen an existing routine. This, in turn, could improve overall health. But they will not make you healthier just by wearing one. Trackers could influence or encourage new behavior patterns, but only if the wearer is dedicated towards using it properly. Another point to consider is that the trackers will work best only if they are used consistently. Trackers provide the most accurate trends when they have consistent data for analysis. Activity trackers are useful to get a general idea of your daily fitness, but the data collected should be used as a guideline. However, they will most likely continue to be improved upon and become more accurate and reliable.
References
Finkelstein, P. E. A. (n.d.). Effectiveness of activity trackers with and without incentives to increase physical activity (TRIPPA): a randomized controlled trial. Define_me. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(16)30284-4/fulltext
Martin, S. (2021, November 3). Could A fitness tracker boost your heart health? Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/could-a-fitness-tracker-boost-your-heart-health
Reddy, R. K., Pooni, R., Zaharieva, D. P., Dominick, G., & Kitsiou, S. (2018, December 10). Accuracy of wrist-worn activity monitors during common daily physical activities and types of structured exercise: Evaluation study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305876/
Sullivan, A. N., & Lachman, M. E. (2017, January 11). Behavior change with fitness technology in sedentary adults: A review of the evidence for increasing physical activity. Frontiers in public health. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5225122/
