This study examined the feasibility of using Fitbit Flex activity trackers in a 7-week walking program for 12 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Participants received weekly step count goals and meetings to discuss physical activity. Most participants increased daily step counts, and reported improvements in performance and satisfaction with activities. While no changes in body composition were found, participants identified the Fitbit, step count increases, and praise as motivators for physical activity. Medication side effects were the primary barrier reported. The study demonstrates that wearable trackers may help track and encourage walking in individuals with SSD.

1. RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2015
www.PosterPresentations.com
Schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) is a
range of mental illnesses categorized by positive
and negative symptoms which can impact
engagement in physical activity1 (PA). Studies
show that walking may be a feasible activity for
weight management and improvement of
negative symptoms2. Further, tracking and
documenting physical activity is imperative in
physical activity programs amongst this
population3,4.
BACKGROUND
PURPOSE
•60% of participants demonstrated an increase in daily step count (Fig. 1).
•Significant differences were found for COPM domains of performance (p =.002<.05) and satisfaction
(p=.0003<.01)
•No significant difference in body composition
FINDINGS
EMERGING PARTICIPANT THEMES
• FITBIT® Flex is a feasible tool to use and
collect activity level in individuals with SSD.
• Preliminary findings suggest walking is a
realistic activity to increase PA.
• Participants identified the FITBIT® Flex ,
increases in SC and praise from staff as
facilitators for PA. Medication was the only
identified barrier.
• Using everyday activities (e.g. walking to the
store, to get coffee) seemed to increase
adherence and achievement of goals.
Strengths: Goal setting with participants,
weekly meetings, and slow progression of PA
Limitations: This was a feasibility study
using a convenience sample, further research
(e.g. RCT) is required for definitive conclusions
REFERENCES
1. Beebe, L. H., & Harris, R. F. (2012). Using pedometers to
document physical activity in patients with schizophrenia
spectrum disorders: a feasibility study. Journal of psychosocial
nursing and mental health services, 50(2), 44-49.
2. Firth, J., Cotter, J., Elliott, R., French, P., & Yung, A. R. (2015).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise interventions
in schizophrenia patients. Psychological medicine, 45(7), 1343-
1361.
3. Beebe, L. H., & Harris, R. F. (2013). Description of physical
activity in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
International journal of mental health nursing, 22(5), 430-436.
4. Beebe, L. H., Smith, K. D., Roman, M. W., Burk, R. C., McIntyre,
K., Dessieux, O. L., ... & Tennison, C. (2013). A pilot study
describing physical activity in persons with schizophrenia
spectrum disorders (SSDS) after an exercise program. Issues in
mental health nursing, 34(4), 214-219.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• McMaster University, Occupational Therapy Faculty.
• HPS for providing us resources & support required to
conduct the study.
• All participants who shared their time & story with
us.
To determine the feasibility/utility of
incorporating the FITBIT® Flex into a 7 week
walking program for community dwelling
individuals with SSD.
Amanda Buschau M.Sc. OT (Candidate)
†, Andrew Reddick M.Sc. OT (Candidate)
†,
Gord Hirano M.Sc., B.H. Sc. OT., Reg. (Ont.)‡ & Jocelyn Harris, Ph.D. OT.†
†Occupational Therapy Program, McMaster University, ‡Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia
Using the FITBIT® to Increase Walking Activity in Individuals with Schizophrenia
METHODS
This was a one group pre/post, mixed methods
study.
Participants:
12 participants were recruited from the Hamilton
Program for Schizophrenia (HPS).
Procedure:
Week 1: FITBIT® Flex worn to gather baseline
step count (SC) and pre-test components
completed
• Questionnaire about attitudes towards PA and
the FITBIT®
• Worksheets from Action Over Inertia
• Modified Canadian Occupational Performance
Measure (COPM)
• Body composition (e.g. height, weight).
Weeks 2-6: FITBIT® was activated and
individual SC goals were set by calculating the
past week total plus 5%. Facilitators, barriers and
attitudes towards PA were explored during
weekly check-ins.
Week 7: 10 participants completed post-test
components
Analysis: Descriptive statistics was used for
demographics. Paired t-tests was used to
determine change from pre to post testing for
body composition, step count and COPM scores.
To capture facilitators and barriers to physical
activity and use of FITBIT® participant feedback
during weekly meetings was analyzed for themes.
FITBIT® CHANGE
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Results demonstrate wearable trackers are
feasible tools to track and encourage SC in those
with SSD. Linking SC to daily occupations was a
key factor in weekly goal-setting sessions.
DISCUSSION
• “My meds make me sleepy" (Participant 4, female, age 32)
• “My meds slow me down” (Participant 5, male, age 52)
Medications were the
greatest barrier to
participating in physical
activity
• “I feel like the bracelet is motivating me to walk more”
(Participant 8, male, age 24)
• “I chose to walk to the doctor’s instead of taking a taxi like I
normally would” (Participant 2, female, age 44)
Utility of the FITBIT® as a
motivational tool to
increase walking
• “I find walking calms me. I suffer from anxiety and walking
helps calm me down” (Participant 7, male, 51)
• “I was able to walk all the way from the bus station here today.
I usually have to rest halfway. I can walk so much more”
(Participant 2, female, age 44)
Therapeutic value in
walking
CONTACT
Amanda Buschau : buschaac@mcmaster.ca/amandabuschau@gmail.com
Andrew Reddick: reddicab@mcmaster.ca/a.reddick16@gmail.com
Figure 1.