Feasibility and Acceptability of Smartphones and Wearable Devices as an Intervention Tool for College-Aged African American Females in an Experimental Physical Activity Study

Objective: The current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of using the commercially available Jawbone UP accelerometer and associated smartphone application, or “app,” to promote physical activity and sleep among college-aged African American females. Methods: Data were drawn from a larger randomized controlled trial, and focused on a subsample of college-aged African American females (n = 28) who were randomly assigned to receive a Jawbone UP accelerometer. A mixed-methodological research design was employed using data triangulation from quantitative data on usage, satisfaction, physical activity, and sleep patterns, which was coupled with qualitative data collected through focus groups. Results: At six weeks, retention (78.5%) and adherence (61.9%) to the smartphone app were high. Overall, 95.5% of the participants reported finding the UP Band helpful and the majority of participants agreed to strongly agreed that the physical activity (90.5%) and sleep (95.5%) features influenced awareness of such health behaviors. Qualitative data supported both the feasibility and acceptability with five main themes: ease of use, product design, self-awareness, physical activity and sleep motivation, and social desirability. Conclusion: After using the UP Band, participants in this study reported increased awareness of both their physical activity and sleep patterns. As such, the present study supports wearable technology and smartphone apps as viable and feasible interventions to promote health behaviors among college-aged African American females.