Pennsylvania University. US: New Year’s weight loss resolutions are in full
swing, but despite all the hype about the latest wearable tracking
devices, there’s little evidence that this technology alone can change
behavior and improve health for those that need it most, according to a
new online-first viewpoint piece in JAMA.
The paper, written by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine, the Penn Medicine Center for Health Care Innovation, and the LDI Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics
at the University of Pennsylvania, points out that even though several
large technology companies are entering this expanding market, there
may be a disconnect between the assumed benefits and actual outcomes.
“The notion is that by recording and reporting information about
behaviors such as physical activity or sleep patterns, these devices
can educate and motivate individuals toward better habits and better
health,” wrote authors Mitesh S. Patel, MD, MBA, MS, David A. Asch,
MD, MBA, and Kevin G. Volpp, MD, PhD, all of whom are faculty at Penn
and attending physicians at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. “The
gap between recording information and changing behavior is substantial,
however, and while these devices are increasing in popularity, little
evidence suggests that they are bridging the gap.”
Instead, the authors suggest that applying behavioral economics
concepts—such as lotteries or telling individuals what they would have
won had they achieved a goal—could help achieve behavioral change.
“Building new habits may be best facilitated by presenting frequent
feedback… and by using a trigger that captures the individual’s
attention at those moments when he or she is most likely to take
action.”
The authors believe that there are four challenges that need to be
addressed for wearable devices—available as bracelets, watches and even
necklaces from high-end designers—to effectively promote health
behavior change. First, a person must be motivated enough to want a
device and be able to afford it. Second, once a device is acquired, a
person must remember to wear it and occasionally recharge it. Third, the
device must be able to accurately track its targeted behavior. And
fourth, the information must be presented back to the user (using a
feedback loop) in a way that can be understood, that motivates action,
and that sustains the motivation towards improved health.
“Although wearable devices have the potential to facilitate health
behavior change, this change may not be driven by these devices alone,”
wrote the authors. “Ultimately, it’s the engagement strategies—the
combinations of individual encouragement, social competition and
collaboration, and effective feedback loops—that connect with human
behavior.”