The Effectiveness of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention Using Fitbit Activity Trackers: Randomized Trial

Abstract

BackgroundWeb-based interventions that provide personalized physical activity advice have demonstrated good effectiveness but rely on self-reported measures of physical activity, which are prone to overreporting, potentially reducing the accuracy and effectiveness of the advice provided.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine whether the effectiveness of a Web-based computer-tailored intervention could be improved by integrating Fitbit activity trackers.MethodsParticipants received the 3-month TaylorActive intervention, which included 8 modules of theory-based, personally tailored physical activity advice and action planning. Participants were randomized to receive the same intervention either with or without Fitbit tracker integration. All intervention materials were delivered on the Web, and there was no face-to-face contact at any time point. Changes in physical activity (Active Australia Survey), sitting time (Workforce Sitting Questionnaire), and body mass index (BMI) were assessed 1 and 3 months post baseline. Advice acceptability, website usability, and module completion were also assessed.ResultsA total of 243 Australian adults participated. Linear mixed model analyses showed a significant increase in total weekly physical activity (adjusted mean increase=163.2; 95% CI 52.0-274.5; P=.004) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (adjusted mean increase=78.6; 95% CI 24.4-131.9; P=.004) in the Fitbit group compared with the non-Fitbit group at the 3-month follow-up. The sitting time and BMI decreased more in the Fitbit group, but no significant group × time interaction effects were found. The physical activity advice acceptability and the website usability were consistently rated higher by participants in the Fitbit group. Non-Fitbit group participants completed 2.9 (SD 2.5) modules, and Fitbit group participants completed 4.4 (SD 3.1) modules.ConclusionsIntegrating physical activity trackers into a Web-based computer-tailored intervention significantly increased intervention effectiveness.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001555448; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371793 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73ioTxQX2)

Acceptability of a computer-tailored and pedometer-based socio-cognitive intervention in a secondary coronary heart disease prevention program: A qualitative study

“…Another recent study conducted in adults living in Australia support the integration of pedometer into computer-tailored intervention. 36 This study examined whether a webbased computer-tailored intervention based on theory of planned behavior, self-determination theory and social-cognitive theory, named TaylorActive, 37 combined with pedometer (FitBit Flex) is more effective in increasing physical activity compared with a TaylorActive only. The study findings demonstrated that the total physical activity increased more than twice as much in the group using the computertailored intervention and pedometer compared with the group using only the computer-tailored intervention.…”

Efficacy of a computer-tailored web-based physical activity intervention using Fitbits for older adults: a randomised controlled trial protocol

“…Intervention satisfaction will be recorded at week 12. The questions are specifically developed for this study but based on past research 15. Nine items about the tailored advice will be presented (eg, the physical activity advice is credible) with responses options on a 5- point Likert scale ranging from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’.…”

“…Fitbit satisfaction will be assessed through 10 questions at week 12. Questions are based on past research 15. Eight statements are used to assess satisfaction with the use of the Fitbit to inform the tailored advice (eg, to improve the credibility of the tailored advice) with response options on a 5-point Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree.…”

“…Activity trackers (eg, Fitbit) which objectively measure physical activity have become popular for personal use and can improve the accuracy and credibility of tailored advice 15. Vandelanotte et al 15 demonstrated improved effectiveness of a web-based tailored intervention in middle-aged adults when the personal advice was based on Fitbit activity tracker data compared with traditional self-reported physical activity.…”

“…Activity trackers (eg, Fitbit) which objectively measure physical activity have become popular for personal use and can improve the accuracy and credibility of tailored advice 15. Vandelanotte et al 15 demonstrated improved effectiveness of a web-based tailored intervention in middle-aged adults when the personal advice was based on Fitbit activity tracker data compared with traditional self-reported physical activity. Older adults are less likely to have used an activity tracker compared with younger adults16; however, rates of activity tracker use are increasing in older adults and older adults use them for longer than their younger counterparts 17.…”