Investigating the impact of daily life context on physical activity in terms of steps information generated by wearable activity tracker

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to understand how the contextual factors of everyday life affect physical activity in terms of steps measured by wearable activity tracking devices and to identify what factors increase physical activity. In addition, this study investigated and analyzed the user environment and resulting contextual factors in a typical office setting. MethodsA total of 27 office workers of Korea (70.4 % male, aged 19–44, 51.9 % married, and mostly from an information technology company) participated in this study and provided five-day EMA diary data (morning and evening) in the form of activity log data from a wearable device and attended a 45–60 min qualitative interview. In this study, a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative) was used. ResultsThis study demonstrated that contextual factors such as mood state (e.g., tired, p < 0.01), level of physical activity (e.g., vigorous, p < 0.01), and types of physical activity (e.g., using the stairs instead of elevators, p < 0.05) could affect the physical activity of the users of wearable devices in everyday life. ConclusionThe study contributed to a better understanding of how the contextual and environmental factors affect the physical activity of user of wearable activity trackers (WATs). These findings have practical implications for designers of such devices. In addition, these results could guide future research agendas.