The Utilization of Fitness Tracking Applications to Promote Increased Physical Activity and Weight Loss

The purpose of the project was to apply an intervention that uses an activity tracking application to achieve increased physical activity among women ages 40 to 65 years who are obese. Women ages 40 years and over have the highest rate of obesity in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). Women have the greatest level of physical inactivity in the United States at 48% (World Health Organization, 2017). This project occurred at a health clinic located in a rural Midwest community. A demographics questionnaire, Strategies for Weight Management (SWM), and steps and weight log sheet were completed. Participants were asked to check weight using the same scale every week and record steps and weight for 12 weeks. Statistical analysis would not be appropriate given the small sample size but was completed for learning purposes. Descriptive statistics, the Student’s T-Test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were used to characterize the sample and make comparisons among the data collected. The DNP project had a smaller than anticipated sample size, and the results of this project were not found to be statistically significant. The results were found to be clinically significant as all participants had increased steps and decreased weight at the end of the intervention. Participants and clinic staff verbalized positive feelings towards the intervention and had intentions on continuing with activity tracking beyond the DNP project. Providers participating in the project voiced strong support of the intervention and intend on using it as a tool to help patients increase physical activity and achieve weight loss goals