The effectiveness of consumer wearable activity trackers on sedentary behaviour and exercise tolerance in healthy sedentary adults, a randomised controlled pilot trial

Abstract

Objectives: This randomised controlled pilot trial aims to investigate the efficacy of CWAT-use to reduce sedentary behaviour and improve exercise tolerance in healthy sedentary adults. Participants: Full data were collected from 28 participants. Nine sedentary adults were randomised into the control and CWATLDP-group, and ten into the CWAT-group for a 12-week intervention. Results: Significant within-group improvements were found for time sitting (p < 0.001), step count (p = 0.035) and 6MWD (p < 0.001) in both CWAT-groups. Only the CWATLDP-group showed significant improvements for time standing (p = 0.017) and time walking (p = 0.034). Significant between-group differences were only found between the CWAT-groups and the control group for time sitting (p = 0.031) and time standing (p = 0.007). Two interaction effects were found. The CWATLDP-group improved more than the CWAT-group for time sitting (p = 0.002) and the CWAT-groups improved more on the 6MWT than the control group (p = 0.014). Some significant associations between sedentary behaviour and physical activity, and variables of exercise tolerance and body composition were found (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that CWAT-use, with or without coaching, can effectively improve sedentary behaviour, physical activity and 6MWD of healthy sedentary adults.