Due to the high prevalence of overweight/obesity among children in the United States, evidence-based approaches for the promotion of physical activity (PA) are in demand. Previous research indicates that PA feedback via technology (e.g., pedometers, heart rate monitors) can increase PA engagement among children. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of feedback on the PA rate of engagement among overweight/obese children using an activity monitoring device specially designed to provide user feedback.
Method:
This cross-sectional study examined the PA levels of fifteen overweight/obese children who were recruited to participate in an after-school program intended to promote PA and healthy eating behaviors. The children (Meanage = 8.95, SD = .84; MeanBMIpercentile = 96.22, SD = 3.84) wore an Actigraph GT3X accelerometer on their waist to measure baseline PA levels for seven days. Subsequently, the participants wore a Polar Active activity monitor and an accelerometer for 14 days. The activity monitor provided visual feedback to the user on the number of minutes spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant to qualify their perceptions of the PA feedback.
Analysis/Results:
A total of 219 days of accelerometer data (N = 141 with both devices) were analyzed. Activity monitor status, gender, and day (weekday/weekend day) were used as the independent variables in a 2 x 2 x 2 analysis of variance. The dependent variable was MVPA/day as recorded by the accelerometers. Results indicated that day had a significant effect, with participants accumulating more MVPA on weekdays over weekend days [F (1, 211) = 12.93; p < .001; r = .24]. There were no differences in PA levels on days when participants wore the activity monitor versus days with only an accelerometer. There were no significant interaction effects. Interview data, transcribed and coded into patterns of responses, suggested that the participants were aware of the activity monitor; however, the feedback in and of itself was not enough to increase PA levels. Participants indicated that tracking PA, regardless of the device was important.
Conclusions:
Measuring PA with/without feedback is equally stimulating among overweight/obese children in a PA oriented afterschool program. Children accumulated an average of 155 minutes of MVPA each day, thus exceeding the national recommendation. In this sample, there were no additional PA benefits from wearing a monitoring device that provided feedback. More research is needed to identify the advantages of feedback.