Wearable lifestyle tracking devices: are they useful for teenagers?

ABSTRACTBehavioral patterns linked to physical activity and nutrition are established during adolescence and people tend to maintain them throughout their whole lives. Wearable life tracking devices might be a useful tool in order to achieve healthy lifestyles among teens. The objective of this study is to investigate what teens think of current wearable devices for fitness tracking, using the results to provide preliminary suggestions for the design of wearable technology aimed at adolescents. Thirty 14--16 teens (sex balanced) divided into 3 groups were asked to trial use commercially available wearables for one week. Each group took part in two focus group sessions, separated by a week. During the trial users experienced some technical problems while using the devices. Monitoring physical activity seems not to be a priority for adolescents but they recognize the important potential in doing it. Recommendations were suggested for the devices to better meet teenage preferences and needs.