Using an exercise tracker to get personalized feedback on your workouts was linked to better results in weight loss, workout efficiency and overall health.
Scientists discovered that customized and monitored workouts are more effective than those without supervision.
These findings were published in Frontiers in Public Health
Research shows that on-site monitoring of workouts is associated with remarkable results for many conditions. Despite little evidence, wearable fitness trackers are becoming more popular for weight management.
The lack of evidence comparing remote-supervised exercise with self-directed, self-directed exercise based on mobile health (mHealth), the authors conducted a study to compare their effectiveness in weight control for people who are obese or have weight problems in Chongqing.
The nonrandomized controlled scientific research study was completed with 31 clients in each group. Both groups included mainly women, with an average (SD) age between 38.3 (8.5) and 40.8 (8.7) in the intervention group.
All individuals were aged in between 18 and 65 years, had a body mass index (BMI) in between 24 and 40, had no routine of regular workout, and were at low to medium threat of cardiocerebrovascular illness. The participants did not participate in any other exercise programs during the research. They also weren’t on any diet or taking any weight-loss medication.
Participants in the intervention group received 3 key elements of management: an individual workout prescription, a heartbeat tracker and paired smartphone app, as well as access to an online chat area.
Based on the individual’s Heart Rate Reserve (HRR), the customized workout prescription was created. An efficient workout was defined as a heart rate between 40% and 60% of HRR. Participants were required to exercise at least 3 times per week for 12 weeks. There was no restriction on the type of exercise.
The paired app provided envisioned feedback and records about workout efficiency to the people. This information was instantly integrated into the cloud server and made accessible to scientists.
Scientists also monitored the exercise of the intervention group, analyzing their day-to-day performance, and provided support through the chat function, which allowed them to provide customized instructions, pointers and support as needed.
The scientists didn’t offer these individualized recommendations in the control group. Instead, they blinded the people and made them feel as if they were the control.
The attrition rate for both the intervention and control group was the same throughout the twelve weeks of follow up. Individuals who had been monitored were able to work out more efficiently, including efficient working out days and a faster rate, than those who weren’t.
The mean(SD) weekly work out day was 3.5 in the intervention group (0.8) and 2.6 in the control group (1.0).
Weekly efficient working day was 2.6 (0.6), 1.5 (0.6), and the rate was efficient working day was 74% (111%) and 60% (117%) respectively between the intervention- and control groups.
Indicative weight loss was also – 2.7 (2.8), kg in the intervention and 2.0 (2.9), kg in control ( P=.23).
The authors also found that participants in the intervention group had better liver function, kidney function and fasting blood sugar levels, as well as total cholesterol and triglyceride, than the control group. “mHealth-based supervised exercise for overweight or obese participants is more effective than self-directed exercise mHealth-based.”
The authors state that in-person guidance for workouts is expensive and time-intensive. However, remote guidance can be achieved using wearable devices and interaction innovations, which offer greater flexibility and saves money.
They concluded that physical activity tracker-based remote supervised exercise could be integrated into a health and fitness program to increase the effectiveness of wearable device-based self-directed exercise for obesity and overweight.
