ROCHESTER — Many people use fitness trackers, apps and wearable devices to help boost activity levels. The technology encourages you to get more steps in every day or complete a certain amount of exercise. But do they work? Studies have been mixed.
New research from Denmark published in the British Medical Journal shows that the devices do work, but the effects are small to moderate — equal to 1,235 extra steps a day and approximately 50 extra minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week. And that devices that give feedback seem to be more effective than those that don't.
The researchers say their findings suggest that the devices could be beneficial for adults who don't meet the recommended amounts of physical activity.
They also suggest ideas for future research, including how physical activity monitors can be used in combination with other behavioral change strategies or how they might affect the amount of time you spend being sedentary.
The American Heart Association's website notes that only one out of five adults gets the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week. Or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. And, the organization says inactivity and sitting too much is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and lung cancers, and early death. Moving more will help to reduce those risks.
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