Evaluating contemporary physical activity self-monitoring technology performance

Encouraging physical activity is becoming an increasingly relevant issue in modern society. Studies have shown that being involved in regular physical activity is essential for individuals' physical, mental and social development. The field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been applied in several areas of research. One of the main domains that utilize the applications of ICT is the health domain. The definition of eHealth has appeared in the literature describing this integrated area of research. Health technologies have been increasingly utilized in physical activity promotion and intervention. Physical Activity Self-Monitoring Technologies (PAMTs) are a popular example of such technologies. New wearable activity monitoring technologies, such as fitness bracelets that track everyday activity, provide a technological solution for promoting active lifestyles. This research presents a pilot test that makes a valuable contribution within the area of valid and accurate trackers in terms of distance walked, using a treadmill walking activity, and a manual counting of steps, taken in a stair climbing activity. This study might assist other researchers in their choice of reliable equipment to use in research that involves reliable and accurate distance and steps calculations.