%0 Journal Article
%@ 1438-8871
%I JMIR Publications
%V 26
%N 
%P e60183
%T Efficacy of a Wearable Activity Tracker With Step-by-Step Goal-Setting on Older Adults’ Physical Activity and Sarcopenia Indicators: Clustered Trial
%A Ho,Mu-Hsing
%A Peng,Chi-Yuan
%A Liao,Yung
%A Yen,Hsin-Yen
%+ School of Gerontology and Long-term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei City, 11031, Taiwan, 886 2 2736 1661 ext 6326, yenken520@gmail.com
%K behavioral change technique
%K chronic disease prevention
%K health promotion
%K mHealth
%K sedentary behavior
%K smartwatch
%D 2024
%7 1.11.2024
%9 Original Paper
%J J Med Internet Res
%G English
%X Background: Smart wearable technology has potential benefits for promoting physical activity and preventing sarcopenia. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of a wearable activity tracker with 2-stage goal-setting for daily steps on older adults’ physical activity and sarcopenia indicators. Methods: The study used a clustered trial design and was conducted in March to June 2022. Participants were community-dwelling adults older than 60 years who were recruited from 4 community centers in Taipei City. The intervention was designed with 2-stage goals set to 5000 steps/day in the first 4 weeks and 7500 steps/day in the final 4 weeks while wearing a commercial wearable activity tracker. Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires, a body composition analyzer, a handle grip tester, and 5 sit-to-stand tests. Results: All 27 participants in the experimental group and 31 participants in the control group completed the 8-week intervention. Total and light-intensity physical activities, skeletal muscle index, and muscle strength increased, while sedentary time, BMI, and the waist circumference of participants decreased in the experimental group, with significant group-by-time interactions compared to the control group. Conclusions: A wearable activity tracker with gradual goal-setting is an efficient approach to improve older adults’ physical activity and sarcopenia indicators. Smart wearable products with behavioral change techniques are recommended to prevent sarcopenia in older adult populations. 
%R 10.2196/60183
%U https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e60183
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/60183