A Feasibility Study of Wearable Activity Monitors for Pre-Adolescent School-Age Children

Abstract

IntroductionUnderstanding physical activity is key in the fight against childhood obesity. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of using certain wearable devices to measure physical activity among children.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted with 25 children aged 7 to 10 years to assess acceptability and compliance of wearable activity devices in this age group. During March through August 2012, children participated in a 4-week study of 3 accelerometer models and a heart rate monitor. Children were asked to use a different device each week for 7 consecutive days. Children and their parents completed structured interviews after using each device; they also completed a final exit interview.ResultsThe wrist-worn Polar Active was the device most preferred by children and was associated with the highest level of compliance. Devices that are comfortable to wear, fit properly, have engaging features, and are waterproof increase feasibility and are associated with higher levels of compliance.ConclusionThe wrist-worn device was the most feasible for measuring physical activity among children aged 7 to 10 years. These findings will inform researchers in selecting tools for measuring children’s physical activity.

Assessing Child Obesity and Physical Activity in a Hard-to-Reach Population in California’s Central Valley, 2012–2013

“…Further, the Polar Active proved more cost-effective than many other accelerometer devices, which (complete with accessories and analyses packages), ranged in price up to 10 times as much as the Polar Active (31). From a researcher’s perspective, the Polar Active system interface was time-consuming to set up for collecting and retrieving the data in a useable format.…”

Sleep Duration and Obesity of Young Mexican-heritage Children in Rural California

“…A subsample of NSFS children between ages 4-8 years were targeted for physical activity measurement. A protocol for was developed and tested in a nearby community with similar sociodemographic and cultural characteristics [29,30]. During the months of April through August 2012, collaborative strategies were organized between researchers, field staff, school staff and promotores (local health workers) to target age eligible NSFS children during community events, health fairs, home visits, field office appointments, etc.…”

Wearable nutrition and dietetics technology on health nutrition paradigm shift in low and middle income countries

“…Mainly, limited resources and low allocation in agriculture in quality food production and increasing westernized life style in urban towns in LMICs settings including Africa have led to food insecurity, unhealthy eating and fast food health impact that requires innovative and evidence-based solutions (Sun et al, 2010;Zhu et al, 2015;Schaefer et al, 2014). Strategic political commitment, leadership and investment are needed in building integrated, effective and robust digital nutrition and health approaches and strategies.…”

“…Strategic political commitment, leadership and investment are needed in building integrated, effective and robust digital nutrition and health approaches and strategies. These can include nutrition and dietetic data and database or nutritional health informatics platforms, wearable and digital nutritional devices and tools awareness and literacy, coordinated mechanisms in engaging and monitoring the activities of all stakeholders (Schaefer et al, 2014;Kuriyan et al, 2014). Collective and participatory dialogue and communication amongst the public consumers, dietetic and nutritionist professionals on the needs of smart digital nutrition and dietary sensors in improving the quality food intake and energy consumption, malnutrition or obesity informed interventions and fitness programs, appropriate and balanced management and quality outcomes (Shuger et al, 2011;Kuriyan et al, 2014).…”