The use of physical activity trackers devices and physical activity levels in adolescents and adults

Abstract

The purpose was to investigate the use of physical activity trackers (PAT) and to analyze the relationship between its use and physical activity (PA) levels. Participants were N=1498 (N=841 females) aged 14–85 years. Interest, use and preferences for PAT were measured by questionnaire. PA was measured using IPAQ short version. Kruskal-Wallis Test was used to test the differences in PA levels between participants. Out of all the participants who practice PA/exercise regularly, 59% do not use PAT, 27% were using, and 14% have used. Adolescents, middle-aged females and older males, who use PAT did significantly more vigorous PA than participants who not use. Young adults who use PAT did significantly more moderate and vigorous PA than participants who not use. And middle-aged males who use PAT did significantly more total week PA, vigorous PA and walking PA than participants who not use. About half of the participants that exercise regularly use PAT. Despite participants that use PAT tend to have higher levels of habitual PA, it is not conclusive that the use of PAT leads to do more PA.