Effectiveness of Fitbit Activity Prompts in Reducing Sitting Time and Increasing Physical Activity in University Employees: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Consumer activity devices use prompts to alter sedentary and physical activity (PA) behaviors. However, it is unclear if PA prompts are effective. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of PA prompts from a consumer wearable device in reducing sitting time and increasing PA in university employees. Methods: Thirty-three university employees without a history of consumer activity device wear were randomly assigned a Fitbit Alta HR that administered PA prompts (Prompt group) or had the prompt feature deactivated (No Prompt group). Participants wore an activPAL for 5–7 days to measure baseline sitting time and PA behaviors. Participants then wore the Fitbit for 12 days during waking hours and an activPAL during the last 5–7 days of the Fitbit wear period. Changes in activPAL sitting time and PA were compared across groups. Mean Fitbit steps taken in the first 50 min and the last 10 min of each hour were calculated and compared across groups during “Inactive” hours (<250 steps in the first 50 min), where a prompt was given (Prompt group) or would have been given (No Prompt group). Results: Mean activPAL sitting time increased in the Prompt group (0.66 ± 1.70 hr/day) and remained stable in the No Prompt group (−0.04 ± 1.29 hr/day), with no statistically significant differences between groups (d = 0.33, p = .36). Moderate to vigorous PA increased modestly in both groups, but no significant differences were observed. Fitbit steps during the last 10 min of inactive hours did not differ across groups. Conclusion: Fitbit PA prompts did not alter sitting time or PA behaviors in university employees.