Efficacy of a Wearable Activity Tracker With Step-by-Step Goal-Setting on Older Adults' Physical Activity and Sarcopenia Indicators: Clustered Trial

Abstract

Background: Smart wearable technology has potential benefits for promoting physical activity and preventing sarcopenia.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of a wearable activity tracker with 2-stage goal-setting for daily steps on older adults' physical activity and sarcopenia indicators.

Methods: The study used a clustered trial design and was conducted in March to June 2022. Participants were community-dwelling adults older than 60 years who were recruited from 4 community centers in Taipei City. The intervention was designed with 2-stage goals set to 5000 steps/day in the first 4 weeks and 7500 steps/day in the final 4 weeks while wearing a commercial wearable activity tracker. Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires, a body composition analyzer, a handle grip tester, and 5 sit-to-stand tests.

Results: All 27 participants in the experimental group and 31 participants in the control group completed the 8-week intervention. Total and light-intensity physical activities, skeletal muscle index, and muscle strength increased, while sedentary time, BMI, and the waist circumference of participants decreased in the experimental group, with significant group-by-time interactions compared to the control group.

Conclusions: A wearable activity tracker with gradual goal-setting is an efficient approach to improve older adults' physical activity and sarcopenia indicators. Smart wearable products with behavioral change techniques are recommended to prevent sarcopenia in older adult populations.

Keywords: behavioral change technique; chronic disease prevention; health promotion; mHealth; sedentary behavior; smartwatch.