Kaitlyn M Riffenburg1, Nicole L Spartano2. 1. Boston University School of Public Health. 2. Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition, and Weight Management, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The integration of wearable devices and mobile health (mHealth) technology to facilitate behavior change has the potential to transform the efficacy of interventions and implementation programs for weight maintenance. The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the overall utility of wearable devices for assessing and promoting weight maintenance in research and clinical settings. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent intervention trials using wearable devices have been successful in increasing physical activity and decreasing or maintaining body weight, but complex study designs involving multiple behavioral strategies make it difficult to assess whether wearable devices can independently influence weight status. The daily feedback that wearable devices and mHealth technology provide may assist in motivating higher levels of physical activity achievement. However, the integration of wearable devices into the healthcare setting and implementation of mHealth programs still need to be tested. SUMMARY: Recent studies add concrete implications for providers and researchers to better assess and promote physical activity in healthcare settings by identifying how wearable devices can be advantageous for physical activity and health promotion.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The integration of wearable devices and mobile health (mHealth) technology to facilitate behavior change has the potential to transform the efficacy of interventions and implementation programs for weight maintenance. The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the overall utility of wearable devices for assessing and promoting weight maintenance in research and clinical settings. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent intervention trials using wearable devices have been successful in increasing physical activity and decreasing or maintaining body weight, but complex study designs involving multiple behavioral strategies make it difficult to assess whether wearable devices can independently influence weight status. The daily feedback that wearable devices and mHealth technology provide may assist in motivating higher levels of physical activity achievement. However, the integration of wearable devices into the healthcare setting and implementation of mHealth programs still need to be tested. SUMMARY: Recent studies add concrete implications for providers and researchers to better assess and promote physical activity in healthcare settings by identifying how wearable devices can be advantageous for physical activity and health promotion.