Abstract:
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of using an activity tracker, Fitbit Charge 3, on depression scores and physical activity scores in individuals at risk for depression.
Design: This was a pilot project that passively monitored step count activity using a Fitbit Charge 3 over an 8-week intervention period in individuals who were at risk for depression. Individuals were screened for depressions risk using the patient health questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2).
Methods: Individuals were recruited from a convenient sample. Selection criteria was limited to adults ages 18-69 with a score >1 on the patient health questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) indicating risk for depression and who owned or had access to a smartphone. Upon enrollment, individuals completed the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and were issued a Fitbit Charge 3. Individuals were asked to wear their Fitbit Charge 3 for 8 weeks. Step count data was automatically uploaded into the individual’s electronic health record (EHR) every 24hrs via Bluetooth integration with the Fitbit Charge 3. At the end of the 8 weeks, individuals completed the PHQ-9 and IPAQ. Step count data was downloaded from the EHR at the end of the intervention.
Results: Individuals with lower PHQ-9 scores had higher IPAQ scores and higher step counts. These individuals indicated they would continue to use the Fitbit post study. In most individuals, PHQ-9 scores decreased from baseline while IPAQ scores increased. Overall step count peaked at week 5, then decreased but stayed above baseline.
Conclusions: Physical activity is an important component for mental and physical wellbeing. Using commercially available devices can provide clinicians an important tool in encouraging patients to engage with improving their overall health.
