Cigna recently released the results from a March 2014 controlled trial designed to study the impact health coaching and activity tracking can have on health.\u00a0 According to the randomized control trial of patients who were pre-diabetic and morbidly obese, 86% of people who received health coaching and tracked their health with a device were motivated to be active.\u00a0 The study also found that 80% of participants said they were more willing to manage their health at the end of the trial than they were at the beginning. \u00a0Additionally, 60% of participants who were using an activity tracking device continued to receive coaching after two coaching calls.<\/p>\n
The six-month long study included 600 participants and used activity trackers made by BodyMedia.\u00a0 One group received BodyMedia activity trackers as well as health coaching, and the other group just received the coaching.\u00a0 The group that had the BodyMedia devices wore them, on average, for 18 hours per day. \u00a0On average this group also walked 3 miles per day, burned 2,500 calories per day, and performed moderate activity for 49 minutes per day. \u00a0These participants were involved in the pilot for between 18 to 20 weeks on average.<\/p>\n
This data highlights the impact activity trackers can have on increasing motivation, physical activity, and overall well-being.\u00a0 This impact is driving a boom in activity trackers being purchased by consumers and employers across the world.\u00a0 The best part is that activity trackers are constantly improving, and the devices from 2014, including the one used in the study, pale in comparison to the latest trackers being released in the market.\u00a0 As activity trackers continue to improve, more consumers and employers will benefit from greater adherence and outcomes.<\/p>\n