Fitness Band Trackers

4. Key research findings

The research suggests that fitness band trackers are not all equal as they often have comparable error ratings of approximately 10-15% of reasonable accuracy (see table 1). All but one band was suggested to have a greater error above 10% when estimating the tally of calories burned. Fitness band trackers have demonstrated to be beneficial in monitoring the number of steps we take but may not be as reliable in the following; measuring the distance travelled, in sleep activity patterns or in the number of total calories we have burned [1-2].

 

The studies found that fitness tracker bands tend to over-estimate distances at reduced speeds and under-estimate distances at greater speeds. Thus if you are a runner, you may not likely be getting an accurate account. The researchers found that the fitness band trackers they had tested, often tended to under-estimate the tally of calories an individual burned throughout the day. Therefore the research suggests you may likely be burning more calories than your fitness band data is telling you. However researchers suggest for those individual's without a fitness band tracker, individual's may often be inclined to over-estimate their physical activity and under-estimate their number of calories they likely to have consumed. Researchers compared fitness band trackers to medical laboratory sleep tests to measure the total amount of sleep time and efficiency. The research suggests that the fitness band trackers they had tested, tend to over-estimate the data when compared to the medical laboratory sleep tests. Therefore you may be getting less rest from what your fitness band tracker is reporting to you [1-2].

 

5. Final thoughts

Fitness band trackers regardless of their reliability cannot always guarantee athletes and fitness users alike in reaching their optimal goals. For example we are all unique individuals, what works best for one individual may not necessarily work well for another. Some people assume fitness trackers will help them resolve their fitness activity issues; it won’t unless they make lifestyle changes and learn from their behaviour. Nevertheless, I personally believe that fitness trackers will help encourage more people towards making important lifestyle choices.  

 

The data of studies reviewed have also demonstrated, to improve future model development and scientific research. Developers and researchers should first quantify and model the recall of errors and correct it for best results. 

 

As always thanks for reading, enjoy your exercise. If you enjoyed reading this article you may be interested in Top Tips for Marathon runners and Top 10 Tips For Athletes.