Adherence
Wearable activity trackers effectively increase daily physical activity, resulting in an average increase of 1800 steps per day and 40 minutes of walking per day across diverse populations.
Use a wearable activity tracker (pedometer, smartwatch, or fitness app) to increase your daily movement. The device acts as a tool for self-monitoring and goal setting. Evidence shows this intervention leads to an average increase of 1800 steps and 40 minutes of walking per day, regardless of whether you are healthy or have a chronic condition. The key is consistent wear and using the feedback to set goals.
Taken together, the meta-analyses suggested activity trackers improved physical activity (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0·3–0·6), equating to approximately 1800 extra steps per day, 40 min per day more walking... Activity trackers appear to be effective at increasing physical activity in a variety of age groups and clinical and non-clinical populations.
Why this rating
Umbrella review of 39 systematic reviews covering 163,992 participants, though most individual reviews were critically low confidence.
Source
Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health: a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Ty Ferguson et al. · The Lancet Digital Health · 2022
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