The Use of Self-Monitoring and Technology to Increase Physical Activity: A Review of the Literature

DOI

10.1007/s40614-020-00260-0

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-1-2020

Publication Title

Perspectives on Behavior Science

Volume

43

Issue

3

First Page

501

Last Page

514

ISSN

25208969

Keywords

goal-setting, physical activity, self-monitoring, systematic review, technology

Abstract

The current obesity epidemic and inactive lifestyles of many Americans lead to health problems for millions of Americans and in turn, millions of dollars in medical bills. One aspect of this problem is the lack of physical activity that people engage in. Self-monitoring techniques have been used in the past to increase physical activity. However, there has not been a systematic review of the literature on this research to date. Furthermore, as technology that is user-friendly and assists in self-monitoring physical activity becomes more available to the public, it is important to investigate its use when used in conjunction with self-monitoring. The purpose of this review was to determine how self-monitoring techniques and technology have been applied to increase physical activity across multiple populations. A systematic review of the literature identified 19 articles. Results indicated that the majority of studies used more than one type of self-monitoring intervention. The most popular type of technology used with self-monitoring were fitness trackers. Future research should continue to examine the most effective methodologies that produce lasting behavior change in physical activity.

Open Access

Green Final

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