Physical Activity Declines Globally Despite Fitness Trackers’ Popularity, New Research Shows

Fitness trackers have exploded in popularity, with sales skyrocketing from $14 billion in 2017 to over $36 billion in 2020. This surge suggests a growing interest in monitoring steps, calories burned, and overall activity levels. However, new research reveals a surprising truth: despite the rise of fitness trackers, physical activity has actually declined globally.

Do Fitness Trackers Motivate Movement? 

Researchers at Boise State, the University of Tennessee, and the University of North Florida conducted a meta-analysis, examining data from eight developed nations. Their analysis, spanning over two decades (pre-pandemic), revealed a concerning trend below:

• Overall Decline in Physical Activity: Despite the popularity of fitness trackers, physical activity levels dropped significantly between 1995 and 2017.
• Widespread Trend: This decline wasn’t limited to one or two countries, but a global phenomenon.
• Adolescents Hit Hardest: The most noticeable decline (roughly 30%) was observed in adolescents aged 11 to 19.

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How Did Researchers Measure Activity Levels?

The study focused on published research that tracked daily activities like walking, sports participation, and household chores. Researchers looked for studies with two “snapshots” of daily activity from the same population, separated by at least a year. This approach allowed for a comparison of activity levels over time.

The studies spanned 1995 to 2017 and covered developed countries including Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and the United States.

Researchers used various wearable devices, including pedometers, accelerometers, and more sophisticated activity monitors.

Analyzing the Results: A Drop in Daily Steps

By calculating “effect size,” the researchers were able to compare data across studies and get a clear picture of the overall trend, Fast Company reports. This analysis revealed a consistent decline in daily physical activity, with individuals taking over 1,100 fewer steps per day between 1995 and 2017.

Teenagers: A Generation Less Active

The most concerning finding was the significant drop in activity levels among adolescents. This group saw a staggering 30% decrease in physical activity within a single generation. The study also revealed a decline in daily steps per decade:

• Adults: 608 steps per day
• Children: 823 steps per day
• Adolescents: 1,497 steps per day

Possible Reasons for the Decline

While the study doesn’t pinpoint the exact cause of the decline, it identifies some potential contributors:

• Increased Screen Time: Adolescents with higher smartphone, tablet, video game, and social media usage displayed lower physical activity levels. For example, in the US, screen time for adolescents jumped from 5 hours per day in 1999 to 8.8 hours in 2017.
• Reduced Physical Education: Changes in the frequency of physical education classes across different countries make it difficult to determine a clear link.
• Shift in Transportation: Fewer adults and children are walking or cycling to school or work compared to previous generations.

Fitness Trackers: Tools, Not Solutions

So, if physical activity is declining while fitness trackers are gaining popularity, what’s the point of these devices? Fitness trackers can raise awareness of daily activity levels, but they are not a magic bullet for increased movement. They are facilitators, not drivers, of behavior change.

The key to overcoming a sedentary lifestyle lies in a multifaceted approach, including setting achievable physical activity goals and self-monitoring.

Apart from that, there’s a need for positive reinforcement where people can celebrate achievements that can boost motivation and adherence. Social support is also important. Encouragement and accountability from friends and family can make a game-changing difference in your life.

Fitness trackers can be a valuable tool, but they are only one part of the solution. A holistic approach that addresses the root causes of declining activity levels is essential to getting people moving and living healthier lives.

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