Stephanie L Silveira1, Jessica F Baird2, Robert W Motl2. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: ssilveira@uab.edu. 2. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in alarmingly low levels of physical activity. Fitness trackers may be a promising approach for promoting and monitoring physical activity among older adults with MS. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: This study reports on the rates, patterns of fitness tracker use in adults with MS who are over 60 years of age. We hypothesized that older adults with MS who use fitness trackers "users" would report significantly more physical activity than those who don't "non-users." METHODS: Participants across the United States completed an online survey that included self-reported demographic and clinical characteristics, fitness tracker use questionnaire, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) for measuring total and health-promoting physical activity (GLTEQ-HCS). RESULTS: Of the 440 participants who completed the full survey, 112 (28%) identified as fitness tracker users. The most common activity monitors were Fitbit®, Smartphone app, Apple® watch, and Garmin®. Fitness tracker users mostly reported having relapsing-remitting MS, less disability (i.e., lower Patient Determined Disability Steps), higher income, and higher rates of employment. There was a statistically significant difference in GLTEQ Total (t(438) = -3.8, p = .001) and GLTEQ-HCS (t(438) = -2.8, p = .006) scores between fitness tracker users and non-users. Self-reported step counts were strongly correlated with both GLTEQ Total (ρ = .50) and GLTEQ-HCS (ρ = 0.54) scores in fitness tracker users. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is warranted investigating fitness tracker use and interests among older adults with MS and how technology may be applied as a behavioral tool to increase physical activity among this growing portion of the MS population.
BACKGROUND: Older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in alarmingly low levels of physical activity. Fitness trackers may be a promising approach for promoting and monitoring physical activity among older adults with MS. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: This study reports on the rates, patterns of fitness tracker use in adults with MS who are over 60 years of age. We hypothesized that older adults with MS who use fitness trackers "users" would report significantly more physical activity than those who don't "non-users." METHODS: Participants across the United States completed an online survey that included self-reported demographic and clinical characteristics, fitness tracker use questionnaire, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) for measuring total and health-promoting physical activity (GLTEQ-HCS). RESULTS: Of the 440 participants who completed the full survey, 112 (28%) identified as fitness tracker users. The most common activity monitors were Fitbit®, Smartphone app, Apple® watch, and Garmin®. Fitness tracker users mostly reported having relapsing-remitting MS, less disability (i.e., lower Patient Determined Disability Steps), higher income, and higher rates of employment. There was a statistically significant difference in GLTEQ Total (t(438) = -3.8, p = .001) and GLTEQ-HCS (t(438) = -2.8, p = .006) scores between fitness tracker users and non-users. Self-reported step counts were strongly correlated with both GLTEQ Total (ρ = .50) and GLTEQ-HCS (ρ = 0.54) scores in fitness tracker users. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is warranted investigating fitness tracker use and interests among older adults with MS and how technology may be applied as a behavioral tool to increase physical activity among this growing portion of the MS population.
Authors: Jessica F Baird; Katie L J Cederberg; E Morghen Sikes; Stephanie L Silveira; Brenda Jeng; Jeffer E Sasaki; Brian M Sandroff; Robert W Motl Journal: Mult Scler Relat Disord Date: 2019-07-04 Impact factor: 4.339
Authors: Rachel E Klaren; Robert W Motl; Deirdre Dlugonski; Brian M Sandroff; Lara A Pilutti Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2013-07-29 Impact factor: 3.966
Authors: Ania Zubala; Stephen MacGillivray; Helen Frost; Thilo Kroll; Dawn A Skelton; Anna Gavine; Nicola M Gray; Madalina Toma; Jacqui Morris Journal: PLoS One Date: 2017-07-10 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Jeffer Eidi Sasaki; Gabriel Felipe Arantes Bertochi; Joilson Meneguci; Robert W Motl Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-19 Impact factor: 4.614