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The Use of Wearable Activity Trackers in Schools to Promote Child and Adolescent Physical Activity: A Descriptive Content Analysis of School Staff’s Perspectives

Author

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  • Amy V. Creaser

    (School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
    Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK)

  • Marie T. Frazer

    (Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
    Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK)

  • Silvia Costa

    (School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Daniel D. Bingham

    (Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK)

  • Stacy A. Clemes

    (School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
    National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, University of Leicester, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK)

Abstract

Background: The school environment is an ideal setting for promoting physical activity (PA). Wearable activity trackers (wearables) have previously been implemented, in research, as intervention tools within the school-environment. However, the large-scale use and acceptance of wearables, in schools, is unknown. Methods: This study distributed a cross-sectional survey to school staff to investigate the prevalence of child and adolescent wearable use in schools, including when and how they are used, and school staff’s willingness to use them in the future (as implemented by school staff). This survey consisted of between 13 and 22 items, including closed-ended and open-ended questions. Closed-ended responses were displayed descriptively (wearable prevalence and characteristics), and open-ended qualitative responses were categorised using descriptive content analysis (how wearables are used). Results: 1087 school staff provided valid responses. Of those, 896 (82.4%) had never used a wearable as a teaching or support tool for their students, and 120 (11%) currently used- and 71 (6.5%) had previously used- a wearable as a teaching or support tool for their students. When wearables were used, school staff implemented their use regularly and during physical education lessons or throughout the entire school day. Wearables were used to monitor or increase student’s PA levels, or for student and staff educational purposes (e.g., academic learning, movement breaks). Most school staff were willing to use a wearable as a teaching or support tool to promote student’s PA, and/or learning about PA, in the future. Conclusions: This study is the first study to explore the widescale use and acceptance of children and adolescents using wearables in the school-setting. Findings may inform the development of future school-based interventions and public health initiatives for physical activity promotion, using wearables.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy V. Creaser & Marie T. Frazer & Silvia Costa & Daniel D. Bingham & Stacy A. Clemes, 2022. "The Use of Wearable Activity Trackers in Schools to Promote Child and Adolescent Physical Activity: A Descriptive Content Analysis of School Staff’s Perspectives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14067-:d:956212
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amy V. Creaser & Jennifer Hall & Silvia Costa & Daniel D. Bingham & Stacy A. Clemes, 2022. "Exploring Families’ Acceptance of Wearable Activity Trackers: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-36, March.
    2. Andy Daly-Smith & Matthew Hobbs & Jade L. Morris & Margaret A. Defeyter & Geir K. Resaland & Jim McKenna, 2021. "Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Primary School Children: Inactive Lessons Are Dominated by Maths and English," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Alberto Grao-Cruces & María J. Velázquez-Romero & Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez, 2020. "Levels of Physical Activity during School Hours in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-23, July.
    4. Amy V. Creaser & Stacy A. Clemes & Silvia Costa & Jennifer Hall & Nicola D. Ridgers & Sally E. Barber & Daniel D. Bingham, 2021. "The Acceptability, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of Wearable Activity Trackers for Increasing Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-28, June.
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