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. 2017 Oct 11;3(1):e000285.
doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000285. eCollection 2017.

Feasibility of a real-time self-monitoring device for sitting less and moving more: a randomised controlled trial

Anne Martin  1   2 , Jacob M Adams  1 , Christopher Bunn  3 , Jason M R Gill  4 , Cindy M Gray  3 , Kate Hunt  5 , Douglas J Maxwell  6 , Hidde P van der Ploeg  7 , Sally Wyke  3 , Nanette Mutrie  1
Affiliations

Feasibility of a real-time self-monitoring device for sitting less and moving more: a randomised controlled trial

Anne Martin et al. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. .

Abstract

Objectives: Time spent inactive and sedentary are both associated with poor health. Self-monitoring of walking, using pedometers for real-time feedback, is effective at increasing physical activity. This study evaluated the feasibility of a new pocket-worn sedentary time and physical activity real-time self-monitoring device (SitFIT).

Methods: Forty sedentary men were equally randomised into two intervention groups. For 4 weeks, one group received a SitFIT providing feedback on steps and time spent sedentary (lying/sitting); the other group received a SitFIT providing feedback on steps and time spent upright (standing/stepping). Change in sedentary time, standing time, stepping time and step count was assessed using activPAL monitors at baseline, 4-week follow-up (T1) and 12-week (T2) follow-up. Semistructured interviews were conducted after 4 and 12 weeks.

Results: The SitFIT was reported as acceptable and usable and seen as a motivating tool to reduce sedentary time by both groups. On average, participants reduced their sedentary time by 7.8 minutes/day (95% CI -55.4 to 39.7) (T1) and by 8.2 minutes/day (95% CI -60.1 to 44.3) (T2). They increased standing time by 23.2 minutes/day (95% CI 4.0 to 42.5) (T1) and 16.2 minutes/day (95% CI -13.9 to 46.2) (T2). Stepping time was increased by 8.5 minutes/day (95% CI 0.9 to 16.0) (T1) and 9.0 minutes/day (95% CI 0.5 to 17.5) (T2). There were no between-group differences at either follow-up time points.

Conclusion: The SitFIT was perceived as a useful tool for self-monitoring of sedentary time. It has potential as a real-time self-monitoring device to reduce sedentary and increase upright time.

Keywords: SitFIT; device; feasibility; sedentary behaviour; self-monitoring; sitting; user trial.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: The SitFIT device was developed by PAL Technologies, which is a member of the EuroFIT consortium. DJM is CEO of PAL Technologies. All other authors declare no competing interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Intervention and data collection timeline.
Figure 2
Figure 2
CONSORT flow diagram of recruitment and follow-up. CONSORT, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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