Preliminary results from a study of the impact of digital activity trackers on health risk status

Dinah Rowe-Roberts, Robert Cercos, Florian 'Floyd' Mueller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperResearch

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Digital activity trackers are becoming increasingly more widespread and affordable, providing new opportunities to support participatory e-health programs in which participants take an active role. However, there is limited knowledge of how to deploy these activity trackers within these programs. In response, we conducted a 7-month study with 212 employees using a wireless activity tracker to log step count. Our results suggest that these devices can support improving physical activity levels and consequently reduce diabetes risk factors. Furthermore, the intervention seems more effective for people with higher risk factors. With our work we aim to contribute to a better understanding of the issues and challenges involved in the design of participatory e-health programs that include activity trackers.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInvesting in E-Health: People, Knowledge and Technology for a Healthy Future
Subtitle of host publicationSelected Papers from the 22nd Australian National Health Informatics Conference (HIC 2014)
EditorsHeather Grain, Fernando Martin-Sanchez, Louise K. Schaper
Place of PublicationAmsterdam Netherlands
PublisherIOS Press
Pages143-148
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781614994275
ISBN (Print)9781614994268
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
EventHealth Informatics Conference 2014 - Melbourne, Australia
Duration: 11 Aug 201414 Aug 2014
Conference number: 22nd
https://members.digitalhealth.org.au/mpage/hic2014

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume204
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Conference

ConferenceHealth Informatics Conference 2014
Abbreviated titleHIC 2014
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne
Period11/08/1414/08/14
Internet address

Keywords

  • Activity trackers
  • e-health
  • participatory health
  • risk factors

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