Rates, patterns, and correlates of fitness tracker use among older adults with multiple sclerosis.
Stephanie L Silveira, Jessica F Baird, Robert W Motl
PMID 32811785WHAT IT FOUND
Among older adults with MS, 28% use fitness trackers.
Users report slightly more physical activity than non-users, but this association exists only in those who already have higher income, employment, and less disability.
Key findings
01Only 28% of older adults with MS reported using a fitness tracker, with Fitbit being the most common device.
02Fitness tracker users reported significantly higher total and health-promoting physical activity scores than non-users, though the difference was small.
03Tracker use was associated with lower disability, higher income, and employment, suggesting current devices may not be accessible or relevant to those with greater impairment.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study is cross-sectional, so it cannot prove that fitness trackers caused increased physical activity. It is equally possible that people who are already more active and have higher incomes are more likely to buy trackers. All data, including step counts and physical activity levels, were self-reported, which may introduce recall bias or inaccuracy. Participants were recruited via email from the National MS Society, which may limit generalizability to those without internet access or who are not members of advocacy groups. The study did not assess why non-users did not use trackers, nor did it evaluate the accuracy of these devices in people with significant mobility impairments.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by the National MS Society for recruitment via email distribution.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the higher activity levels in tracker users as evidence that giving a tracker to an inactive patient will increase their activity. The association may simply reflect that wealthier, less disabled, and already-active individuals are more likely to own trackers.