Wearable fitness devices are part of the digital revolution in health and wellness. These devices connect to the internet and automate the collection of personal data, especially step counts and heart rate data. And for some, these accessories help them get started on the path to better health. Yet studies on consumer behavior suggest that most wearables are abandoned within a few weeks to months. This holds for both all-day wearables (as in smartwatches) and those worn only for specified activities (like heart rate monitors embedded into arm and chest bands.)
When long-term behavior change is a goal, how do wearables stack up?
The good news is that in short-term studies, wearables do motivate more steps and activity. But in studies lasting six months or more, they don’t seem to have lasting power for the average individual. Why not?
Reason #1: Too much data, too little personalized guidance
One of the pitfalls of a wearable may be the high quantity of data collected and the lack of interpretation and guidance that follows. Detailed personal data is only helpful if contextualized, and most trackers fail to provide the next steps or offer specific tips for progression.
Example: In a year-long study, UCLA researchers found that wearables measuring sleep and activity had a low influence on user behavior unless additional personalized content was included. The wearable-only group “saw little change” in their health behaviors, but the wearables combined with customized text messages were able to achieve higher activity levels and improve sleep quality. This research underscores the idea that meaningful health improvements hinge on personally-tailored behavioral interventions.
Life is complicated; we forget things. Many forget to charge, sync or wear their devices, and sometimes they malfunction. In addition, wearables are often lost. And for some, when data collection is lacking, workout motivation is greatly reduced. Those consumers may feel their steps or heartbeats will not “count.” And while this may not apply to seasoned athletes, many will skip or minimize the workout if that device is not capturing the data. The wearable provides external motivating properties, and when it is absent, many consumers feel their enthusiasm wane.
Examples: In younger users, wearables may harm intrinsic workout motivation. For instance, some studies indicate that the early advantages of more activity from wearables are driven mainly “through feelings of guilt, competition, and internal pressure.“ And by 8 weeks, those wearables lead to a loss of autonomous motivation for physical activity.
Other research confirms that wearables were unable to sustain engagement beyond a month in young individuals because they “promoted negative feelings.“ These findings suggest that wearables are not universally helpful in the battle against sedentary lifestyles.
Some fitness consumers look to wearables to reach their exercise goals while others focus on weight loss as a long-term outcome.
Weight loss is the most common health goal among Americans. Consumers often collect data on their physical activity habits, but many do not experience weight loss even when activity increases. This can lead to internalized feelings of failure and a loss of motivation. Personalizing the experience can rescue motivation, however.
Examples: A study recruited almost 500 individuals who were obese and aged 18-35 years. All attended info sessions on weight loss strategies for the first 6 months, but then they were randomly assigned to different groups. One group gained access to a $ 100 wearable that helped them auto-collect activity data as well as sleep time. The other group that gained access did not receive a wearable but did have access to web-based manual tracking. Who lost more weight? The average weight loss after two years was 7.7 lbs for the wearable group and 13 lbs for the manual tracking group. The authors conclude that “We should not simply tell everyone to go and buy an activity monitor and that it will help them lose weight.”
Another one-year study with 800 participants found that while fitness wearables can prolong healthier exercise routines, they produced “no evidence of improvement in health outcomes… calling into question the value of these devices for health promotion.”
And another 6-month study found that active adults using wearables showed no improvement in body composition and showed a decline in physical activity, perhaps surprisingly.
Most health goals require a combination of behavior adjustments beyond simply counting steps or gathering heart rate data. When early signs of success are lacking, discouragement can present an obstacle to continuing an effortful behavior. Instead of simple step counters for weight loss, for example, a variety of user-relevant habits is ideal, which may blend a combination of eating, activity, and restoration behaviors.
Even wearables that track many behaviors rarely cater to all physical capabilities. For example, wearables often exclude those with certain physical disabilities and are problematic for some with eating disorders or exercise addiction.
And what if a person wants stress relief as their goal? Few traditional activity wearables are addressing the combination of behaviors that are personally relevant for diverse users who seek a change. (Some evidence suggests wearables appeal most to runners who already have a well-established running habit. This indicates they may be better at supporting existing exercise behavior rather than behavior change.)
Of course, wearables are a tool that can be wielded in many ways. They certainly can support our motivations, but these devices are not a solution for all. Yet wearables do raise health awareness and help the person notice their actual behavior. This heightened health awareness is often a critical step on the path to healthier habits. 
The truth is that there is no easy solution to behavior change. What works for some may not work for others. Simple approaches to physical activity include enlisting social support who can help us maintain our routines and add fun to the fitness challenge. Other simple approaches include manual tracking via journaling or workout logs.
As a long-term solutions partner, Treo combines some of the most effective methods for behavior change. We empower members to identify the keystone habits that help them stay on track – because tracking everything all the time is not as time-efficient or as meaningful as tracking behaviors that influence an array of others. For instance, a lot of members find that once they focus on sleep or healthier eating, other health-promoting behaviors begin to fall into place with greater ease. (For me, it’s definitely sleep!) We ensure it’s easy and fast to make small changes that can add up to personal progress. Ready to learn more about how Treo can help your entire team? Email us at info@treowellness.com
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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