Edmunds, Rebecca

Get Moving: Motivating Sedentary Young Adults

Faculty mentor: Neil Peterson, College of Nursing

Introduction

Obesity and sedentary behavior are increasing in the United States and the world. On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website recent statistics put over one third of the American adult population as obese and over half as overweight (2015). This epidemic has contributed to a drastic increase in disease and cost. Obesity and the accompanying diseases are not only expensive to treat but also decrease quality of life. Prevention is essential. Many companies are working to find devices that help motivate people and encourage physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. This research project focused specifically on the Fitbit Surge and its impact on motivating young adults to get up and moving.

Methodology

This portion of our research included 20 participants being monitored for their physical activity level while using the Fitbit Surge. Each participant wore an accelerometer for a week to set a baseline activity level. The accelerometer was worn daily and removed while sleeping, showering, or swimming. The second week the participants wore the accelerometer and were given the Fitbit Surge. The accelerometer was a control since it was worn for both weeks. Participants were given the Fitbit Surge to set up on their own so that we could also assess for consumer friendliness and ease of setup. During the second week, the participants recorded on a journal sheet their activity data from the Fitbit Surge. At the end of the second week the participants took a survey to gather qualitative data on their feelings about their activity level and likes or dislikes about the device. The quantitative data from the two devices was downloaded into our activity program.

Results

Data was downloaded from the accelerometers for each week and then for the Fitbit Surge for the second week. We also have the data from the journal sheet each participant filled out from the Fitbit Surge app. In addition to this we have the qualitative data from the surveys at the end of the two weeks. We are currently expanding the number of participants for our device to increase the statistical strength of the study. The data we do have at this point is in favor of Fitbit Surge. Participants had a very positive experience with the device and found it user friendly and motivating.

Discussion

Many people were impressed with the battery life and simplicity of the device. The interface was very inviting for the participants and the majority really enjoyed the device. The hardware of the device as well as the software received positive feedback overall. From the qualitative data we
have analyzed the Fitbit Surge was the most motivating of our tested devices for increasing activity. Many enjoyed the device more than they expected and felt they would use one if money were not an issue.

Conclusion

Overall the reaction to the Fitbit Surge was very positive. People enjoyed the device and felt it was a good reminder to get up and moving. We are expanding the study to increase its validity and to account for a few technical issues we encountered. If the device does increase activity through motivating its user, it could be utilized as preventative medicine by leading to a healthier population. We should take interest in anything that could help reduce this spreading epidemic of obesity.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2015). Division of nutrition, physical activity, and obesity. Adult Obesity Facts. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html