Category Archives: Monthly Meetings

Can a Free Wearable Activity Tracker Change Behavior?

Lisa Gualtieri, PhD, ScM
  • Lisa Gualtieri, PhD, ScM, Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
  • Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30 PM
  • At Constant Contact, 1601 Trapelo Rd, Waltham, MA 02451

Please register. It helps us and our hosts plan.

Abstract

Innovations in digital health have led to expensive toys, but have they improved health outcomes? Lisa Gualtieri will discuss the current landscape of wearable digital technology, and report on a series of studies on wearable activity tracker use in older adult populations; most notably, what was learned about acceptance and use of trackers that were provided free with training, and their impact on behavior change. She will also present on future directions her research is taking to potentially expand the usefulness of these devices as part of clinical care, to lower the prevalence of chronic disease within the US. Finally, she will showcase her non-profit, RecycleHealth, which she founded two years ago to collect trackers for underserved populations who need help improving on health behaviors. One such population includes veterans, a group of which will receive trackers as part of a wellness program through HutsForVets, with the aim to increase physical activity and improve mental health outcomes.

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