Motivational Readiness to Change Exercise Behaviors: An Analysis of the Differences in Exercise, Wearable Exercise Tracking Technology, and Exercise Frequency, Intensity, and Time (FIT) Values and BMI Scores in University Students

ABSTRACT

Background: Research indicates that increased exercise behaviors collectively called FIT (frequency, intensity, and time) values, equate with positive health outcomes. Young college adults often gain weight due to decreased exercise. Purpose: This study seeks to understand whether wearable exercise technology is associated with increased exercise among university students. Methods: A questionnaire identified motivational stages for exercise and wearable use. Results: Of the 115 students meeting all three FIT recommendations, 70 regularly exercised within the last 6 months. Of these, nearly half (n = 31) also regularly wore a wearable technology. Overall, 90 students were identified as regularly using wearable technology, 31 met all three FIT recommendations, and 53 met two FIT recommendations (frequency and time). Of total regular exercisers meeting two of three recommendations (n = 112), nearly half (n = 53) were wearable technology users. Discussion: Findings suggest that wearables may be associated with increased exercise and FIT values among university students. Translation to Health Education Practice: Wearable exercise technology has potential to enhance theory-based physical activity promotion to help students increase exercise and decrease risks of obesity and chronic disease. Future studies could examine how active student exercisers and active users of wearable technology use that technology to motivate them to exercise more.

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.