Does visualization of health data using an accelerometer be associated with promoting exercise among elderly people?

Abstract

Most people in developed countries know that exercise is good for health and recommended by the government. However, even if the numerical goal of steps is suggested by the government, we often fail to achieve the goal. Behavioral analytics shows that it needs to give information about evidence-based health to promote changes in individual’s activities. This study aims to determine whether self-monitoring using an accelerometer is associated with behavioral changes and to demonstrate the relationship between the visualization of the data brought by an accelerometer and willingness to exercise continuously. The data were collected using a social experiment and investigation, and the analysis adopted statistical methods, t-test and chi-test. Our results clarify the following points. First, even considering the difference between individuals, statistically, the subjects increased neither their number of steps nor exercise by using the accelerometer continuously. According to Tong and Laranjo (2018), self-monitoring is an effective behavior change technique for most people, however, this study shows that self-monitoring does not associated. Second, statistically, at 10% level, a change in awareness of exercise was associated with the willingness to use the accelerometer continuously. Third, some people want to use their accelerometer and understand their own data even without a financial reward.