They also found people who used the devices sat down for about 10 minutes less per day, but this was determined to be essentially insignificant.ĭevices that provided feedback, such as reminders or daily goals, were found to be more effective across all metrics than those that did not. Overall, the devices encouraged people to do more general physical activity, the equivalent of 1,235 extra steps and more 'moderate to vigorous physical activity', equivalent to 48.5 extra minutes per week. The average age of participants was 47 and most three quarters were women. These trials were mostly held in Europe and North American. They examined the results of 121 randomised trials of the devices which involved a total of 16,743 adults and ran for an average of 12 weeks. The Danish researchers said they were compelled to review the available data after reading mixed reviews about their effectiveness in previous research. The NHS recommends adults complete 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week to improve their health, and in particular, reduce their chances of heart disease or a stroke.īut, Government estimates show only 67 per cent of men and 55 per cent of women in England meet this two-and-a-half-hours of exercise a week target. Writing in the paper, they claimed their study 'provides evidence for using physical activity monitors for enhancing physical activity and moderate to vigorous physical activity at a time when large, feasible, and scalable interventions are urgently needed'. Publishing their findings in the BMJ, academics from the University of Copenhagen described the daily activity increases as 'small to moderate'.īut they said that the devices could still be useful over longer periods of time, given that most adults don't meet recommended activity levels.

The devices monitor things like step-count and heart rate to motivate their wearers to meet daily fitness goals or improve their performance. Overall, people who wear monitors take an extra 1,200 steps each day and complete nearly 50 minutes more of exercise per week, the results suggested. Researchers examined the results of over 100 randomised trials of wearable tracking gadgets, involving nearly 17,000 adults over the past decade. They were written off by many as just another fitness fad.īut a new review has found wearable activity devices like Fitbits and Apple watches really can make people more active.

Reviews on fit bits