The longitudinal associations between wearable technology, physical activity and self-determined motivation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wearable technology has been posited as a potential intervention for improving adherence to physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour. However, the long-term effectiveness of these devices is questionable and little attention has been paid to the motivational processes that drive physical activity behaviour. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of wearable technology for improving body composition and physical activity, and also to explore the associations with self-determined motivation. Fifty-eight participants completed questionnaires measuring their physical activity and motivation on a monthly basis for a period of six months. In addition, body composition was measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Participants who used wearable technology did not improve their body composition over the duration of the study. Moreover, participants using wearable technology experienced a decline in physical activity levels when compared with non-users. Furthermore, an association emerged between introjected motivation and wearable technology use. This study provides further evidence that wearable technology may not be effective for improving long-term physical activity adherence. Furthermore, it suggests introjected motivation may be an important mechanism within this relationship.