Skip to main content
Key Specialties
Cardiology Diabetology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics and Gerontology Gynecology and Obstetrics Hematology Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology Pediatrics Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology Surgery
Congress Coverage
2024 ACC Congress 2023 ESMO Congress 2023 EASD Congress 2023 ERS Congress 2023 ESC Congress 2023 EHA Congress 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting
Clinical Collections
Advances in Alzheimer’s

ACC 2024 Congress

Catch up on all the top stories and latest evidence in cardiology research with our ACC 2024 Congress hub page.
ADVANCED SEARCH
Log in
Top
BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Using an electronic activity monitor system as an intervention modality: A systematic review

Authors: Zakkoyya H. Lewis, Elizabeth J. Lyons, Jessica M. Jarvis, Jacques Baillargeon

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2015

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

Obesity is a growing global health concern that may lead to cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and cancer. Several systematic reviews have shown that technology is successful in combating obesity through increased physical activity, but there is no known review on interventions that use an electronic activity monitor system (EAMS). EAMSs are defined as a wearable device that objectively measures lifestyle physical activity and can provide feedback, beyond the display of basic activity count information, via the monitor display or through a partnering application to elicit continual self-monitoring of activity behavior. These devices improve upon standard pedometers because they have the ability to provide visual feedback on activity progression, verbal encouragement, and social comparison. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the efficacy and feasibility results of EAMSs within published physical activity interventions.

Methods

Electronic databases and journal references were searched for relevant articles. Data sources included CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline Ovid, PsycINFO, and clinicaltrials.gov. Out of the 1,574 retrieved, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. These articles were reviewed for quality and content based on a risk of bias tool and intervention components.

Results

Most articles were determined to be of medium quality while two were of low quality, and one of high quality. Significant pre-post improvements in the EAMS group were found in five of nine studies for physical activity and in four of five studies for weight. One found a significant increase in physical activity and two studies found significant weight loss in the intervention group compared with the comparator group. The EAMS interventions appear to be feasible with most studies reporting continual wear of the device during waking hours and a higher retention rate of participants in the EAMS groups.

Conclusion

These studies provide preliminary evidence suggesting that EAMS can increase physical activity and decrease weight significantly, but their efficacy compared to other interventions has not yet been demonstrated. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the overall effect of EAMS, examine which EAMS features are most effective, and determine which populations are most receptive to an EAMS.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
2.
3.
4.
Wang YC, McPherson K, Marsh T, Gortmaker SL, Brown M. Health and economic burden of the projected obesity trends in the USA and the UK. Lancet. 2011;378:815–25.CrossRefPubMed
5.
Jakicic JM, Davis KK. Obesity and Physical Activity. Psy Clin North Am. 2011;34:829–40.CrossRef
6.
Andrade AM, Coutinho SR, Silva MN, Mata J, Vieira PN, Minderico CS, Melanson KJ, Baptista F, Sardinha LB, Teixeira PJ. The effect of physical activity on weight loss is mediated by eating self-regulation. Patient Educ Couns. 2010;79:320–6.
7.
Thomas JG, Bond DS. Review of innovations in digital health technology to promote weight control. Curr Diab Rep. 2014;14:485.CrossRefPubMed
8.
Butryn ML, Webb V, Wadden TA. Behavioral Treatment of Obesity. Psy Clin North Am. 841;34.
9.
Gokee-LaRose J, Gorin AA, Raynor HA, Laska MN, Jeffery RW, Levy RL, Wing RR. Are standard behavioral weight loss programs effective for young adults? Int J Obes (Lond). 2009;33:1374–80.CrossRef
10.
11.
Michie S, Abraham C, Whittington C, McAteer J, Gupta S. Effective techniques in healthy eating and physical activity interventions: a meta-regression. Health Psychol. 2009;28:690–701.CrossRefPubMed
12.
Khalyis A, Yiaslas T, Bergstrom J, Gore-Felton C. A review of efficacious technology-based weight-loss interventions: five key components. telemedicine and e-health. 2010;16:931–8.CrossRef
13.
Tate DF, Wing RR, Winett RA. Using Internet technology to deliver a behavioral weight loss program. JAMA. 2001;285:1172–7.CrossRefPubMed
14.
Michie S, Ashford S, Sniehotta FF, Dombrowski SU, Bishop A, French DP. A refined taxonomy of behaviour change techniques to help people change their physical activity and healthy eating behaviours: the CALO-RE taxonomy. Psychol Health. 2011;26:1479–98.CrossRefPubMed
15.
Turner-McGrievy G, Tate D. Tweets, Apps, and Pods: Results of the 6-month Mobile Pounds Off Digitally (Mobile POD) randomized weight-loss intervention among adults. J Med Internet Res. 2011;13, e120.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
16.
Bort-Roig J, Gilson ND, Puig-Ribera A, Contreras RS, Trost SG. Measuring and Influencing Physical Activity with Smartphone Technology: A Systematic Review. Sports Med. 2014;44:671–86.CrossRefPubMed
17.
Bacigalupo R, Cudd P, Littlewood C, Bissell P, Hawley MS, Buckley Woods H. Interventions employing mobile technology for overweight and obesity: an early systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Obes Rev. 2013;14:279–91.CrossRefPubMed
18.
Tate DF, Jackvony EH, Wing RR. A randomized trial comparing human e-mail counseling, computer-automated tailored counseling, and no counseling in an Internet weight loss program. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1620–5.CrossRefPubMed
19.
Chambliss HO, Huber RC, Finley CE, McDoniel SO, Kitzman-Ulrich H, Wilkinson WJ. Computerized self-monitoring and technology-assisted feedback for weight loss with and without an enhanced behavioral component. Patient Educ Couns. 2011;85:375–82.CrossRefPubMed
20.
Tang J, Abraham C, Greaves C, Yates T. Self-directed interventions to promote weight loss: a systematic review of reviews. J Med Internet Res. 2014;16, e58.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
21.
Vaes AW, Cheung A, Atakhorrami M, Groenen MT, Amft O, Franssen FM, et al. Effect of 'activity monitor-based' counseling on physical activity and health-related outcomes in patients with chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med. 2013;45:397–412.CrossRefPubMed
22.
Patel M, Asch D, Volpp K: Wearable Devices as Facilitators, Not Drivers, of Health Behavior Change. JAMA. 2015;313(5):459-460.
23.
24.
25.
Lyons EJ, Lewis ZH, Mayrsohn BG, Rowland JL. Behavior change techniques implemented in electronic lifestyle activity monitors: a systematic content analysis. J Med Internet Res. 2014;16, e192.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
26.
27.
28.
Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, Group P. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA Statement. Open Med. 2009;3:e123–130.PubMedPubMedCentral
29.
van Tulder M, Furlan A, Bombardier C, Bouter L, Group EBotCCBR. Updated method guidelines for systematic reviews in the cochrane collaboration back review group. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2003;28:1290–9.
30.
Barwais F, Cuddihy T, Tomson L. Physical activity, sedentary behavior and total wellness changes among sedentary adults: A 4-week randomized controlled trial. In: Health and quality of life outcomes, vol. 11. 2013.
31.
Fitzsimons CF, Kirk A, Baker G, Michie F, Kane C, Mutrie N. Using an individualised consultation and activPAL feedback to reduce sedentary time in older Scottish adults: results of a feasibility and pilot study. Prev Med. 2013;57:718–20.CrossRefPubMed
32.
Hurling R, Catt M, Boni M, Fairley B, Hurst T, Murray P, Richardson A, Sodhi J. Using internet and mobile phone technology to deliver an automated physical activity program: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2007;9:e7.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
33.
Pellegrini CA, Verba SD, Otto AD, Helsel DL, Davis KK, Jakicic JM. The comparison of a technology-based system and an in-person behavioral weight loss intervention. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012;20:356–63.CrossRef
34.
Polzien KM, Jakicic JM, Tate DF, Otto AD. The efficacy of a technology-based system in a short-term behavioral weight loss intervention. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2007;15:825–30.CrossRef
35.
Reijonsaari K, Vehtari A, Kahilakoski O, Mechelen W, Aro T, Taimela S. The effectiveness of physical activity monitoring and distance counseling in an occupational setting - results from a randomized controlled trial (CoAct). BMC Public Health. 2012;12:344.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
36.
Shuger SL, Barry VW, Sui X, McClain A, Hand GA, Wilcox S, Meriwether RA, Hardin JW, Blair SN. Electronic feedback in a diet- and physical activity-based lifestyle intervention for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2011;8:41.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
37.
Slootmaker SM, Chinapaw MJ, Schuit AJ, Seidell JC, Van Mechelen W. Feasibility and effectiveness of online physical activity advice based on a personal activity monitor: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2009;11, e27.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
38.
Tabak M, OP DAH, Hermens H. Motivational cues as real-time feedback for changing daily activity behavior of patients with COPD. Patient Educ Couns. 2014;94:372–8.CrossRefPubMed
39.
Thompson WG, Kuhle CL, Koepp GA, McCrady-Spitzer SK, Levine JA. "Go4Life" exercise counseling, accelerometer feedback, and activity levels in older people. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2014;58:314–9.CrossRefPubMed
40.
Thorndike AN: Be Fit in Residency: a Randomized Controlled Trial of an Activity Device Among Medicine Residents. clinicaltrials.gov: Massachusetts General Hospital; 2012.
41.
Donnelly JE, Blair SN, Jakicic JM, Manore MM, Rankin JW, Smith BK, Medicine ACoS. American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand. Appropriate physical activity intervention strategies for weight loss and prevention of weight regain for adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41:459–71.CrossRefPubMed
42.
Archer E, Groessl EJ, Sui X, McClain AC, Wilcox S, Hand GA, et al. An economic analysis of traditional and technology-based approaches to weight loss. Am J Prev Med. 2012;43:176–82.CrossRefPubMed
43.
Hart TL, Ainsworth BE, Tudor-Locke C. Objective and subjective measures of sedentary behavior and physical activity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43:449–56.CrossRefPubMed
44.
Fruin ML, Rankin JW. Validity of a multi-sensor armband in estimating rest and exercise energy expenditure. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;36:1063–9.CrossRefPubMed
45.
Slootmaker SM, Chin A, Paw MJ, Schuit AJ, van Mechelen W, Koppes LL. Concurrent validity of the PAM accelerometer relative to the MTI Actigraph using oxygen consumption as a reference. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2009;19:36–43.CrossRefPubMed
46.
Takacs J, Pollock CL, Guenther JR, Bahar M, Napier C, Hunt MA. Validation of the Fitbit One activity monitor device during treadmill walking. J Sci Med Sport. 2014;17:496–500.CrossRefPubMed
47.
Lee JM, Kim Y, Welk GJ. Validity of Consumer-Based Physical Activity Monitors. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014;46:1840–8.CrossRefPubMed
48.
Michie S, Richardson M, Johnston M, Abraham C, Francis J, Hardeman W, Eccles MP, Cane J, Wood CE. The behavior change technique taxonomy (v1) of 93 hierarchically clustered techniques: building an international consensus for the reporting of behavior change interventions. Ann Behav Med. 2013;46:81–95.CrossRefPubMed
49.
van den Berg MH, Schoones JW, Vlieland T: Internet-based physical activity interventions: A systematic review of the literature. J Med Int Res. 2007;9:e26
50.
Richards J, Thorogood M, Hillsdon M, Foster C: Face-to-face versus remote and web 2.0 interventions for promoting physical activity. Cochrane Database of Systematic Rev. 2013.
51.
Glasgow RE, Vogt TM, Boles SM. Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion interventions: the RE-AIM framework. Am J Public Health. 1999;89:1322–7.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
52.
Lyzwinski L. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mobile Devices and Weight Loss with an Intervention Content Analysis. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2014;4:311–85.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
53.
Pellegrini C, Duncan J, Moller A, Buscemi J, Sularz A, DeMott A, Pictor A, Pagoto S, Siddique J, Spring B. A smartphone-supported weight loss program: design of the ENGAGED randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2012;12:1041.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
54.
Haskell WL, Lee IM, Pate RR, Powell KE, Blair SN, Franklin BA, Macera CA, Heath GW, Thompson PD, Bauman A, et al. Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2007;116:1081–93.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Using an electronic activity monitor system as an intervention modality: A systematic review
Authors
Zakkoyya H. Lewis
Elizabeth J. Lyons
Jessica M. Jarvis
Jacques Baillargeon
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1947-3

Other articles of this Issue 1/2015

BMC Public Health 1/2015 Go to the issue

Research article

Maternal and paternal support for physical activity and healthy eating in preschool children: a cross-sectional study

Research article

Trends in the use of the Internet for health purposes in Poland

Research article

The role of income and occupation in the association of education with healthy aging: results from a population-based, prospective cohort study

Research article

Parental academic involvement in adolescence as predictor of mental health trajectories over the life course: a prospective population-based cohort study

Research article

Estimating the economic costs of skin cancer in New South Wales, Australia

Research article

A cross-sectional serosurvey on hepatitis B vaccination uptake among adult patients from GP practices in a region of South-West Poland