Efficacy of a Wearable Activity Tracker With Step-by-Step Goal-Setting on Older Adults’ Physical Activity and Sarcopenia Indicators: Clustered Trial

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.