This study investigated the use of physical activity tracking devices and mobile apps among Finnish adolescents and the association with daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The study found that over half of adolescents had smartphone apps for physical activity monitoring, but few reported actively using devices such as heart rate monitors or sports watches. Adolescents who actively used tracking devices were more likely to meet daily MVPA recommendations compared to those who did not have or actively use devices. The study concluded that while commercial activity trackers have reached many adolescents, more research is needed to understand how their use impacts health behaviors.

1. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
The use of commercial physical
activity devices and apps among
Finnish adolescents
Kwok Ng, Jorma Tynjälä, Riikka Hämylä,
Sami Kokko
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences

2. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
Study Rationale
 Mobile phone applications for monitoring and promoting
physical activity are extremely popular among adults.
 Devices that work with these applications are attractive and
affordable with its multi functioning abilities which are
available through the commercial markets.
 Studies have reported an increase in PA levels among
people with devices, however less is known if the same
applies with adolescent populations.
 Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the
usage of physical activity tracking devices or mobile phone
applications among adolescents and its association with
daily moderate to vigorous PA after considering family
affluence.
29.9.2016 Ng, Tynjälä, Hämylä & Kokko* 2

3. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
Finnish School-aged physical activity (SPA)
trend monitoring study
 SPA study was established in 2014 (national PA trend monitoring)
 Data in 2016
– 7206 respondents from a national representative sample (aged 9y,
11y, 13y, and 15y) completed a questionnaire using a computer
survey method.
 Items to measure commercial PA devices and apps
– Do you have the following physical activity devices
• Smart phone app
• Heart rate monitor/sports watch
– No | Yes but do not use it | Yes and use it actively
 Family Affluence Scale 3 (a measure of Social Economic
Status) followed the HBSC syntax
 PA 7 day self-report recall of 60mins MVPA (HBSC).
29.9.2016 Ng, Tynjälä, Hämylä & Kokko* 3

4. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
Methods
 Only 11y, 13y, and 15y data was analysed with a final
data size, n=4747 (mean age=13.8y SD=1.6) school-
aged children, 46% were boys and 54% were girls
 ANOVA tests with post-hoc tests were performed for
usage between ages.
 Binary Logistic regression on daily MVPA and the
associations with devices or apps after controlling for
gender, age, and family affluence (SES).
29.9.2016 Ng, Tynjälä, Hämylä & Kokko* 4

5. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
Over Half adolescents have smartphone apps
29.9.2016 Ng, Tynjälä, Hämylä & Kokko* 5
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Boys
Girls
Boys
Girls
SmartphoneHRM/watch
Physical activity measuring devices
Yes active Yes inactive No

6. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
No Inactive Active No Inactive Active
Smart Phones HRM Average
Devices and levels of MVPA
29.9.2016 Ng, Tynjälä, Hämylä & Kokko* 6

7. UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ
Conclusions
 Commercial physical activity monitoring devices have
reached over half of school-aged children in Finland
– Few adolescents report to actively use them
– Adolescents that do actively use them are more likely to meet
the PA recommendations than adolescents that do not have
them or do not actively use them
– More research is needed to help better understand the link
between the use of technological aids for health promoting
behaviours
 Results would benefit being compared with other
countries
29.9.2016 Ng, Tynjälä, Hämylä & Kokko* 7