The Effects of Wearable Fitness Devices on Pediatric Obesity: An Integrative Literature Review

Childhood obesity is a foremost concern throughout the health care community. Approximately 17.6% of the pediatric population meet the criteria for obesity, which can lead to health disparities later in life, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. Emerging mobile and wearable lifestyle tracking devices can be a viable solution to the challenging problem of childhood obesity through behavior changes, feasibility, and adherence. The purpose of this literature review was to determine the effect that mobile and wearable activity tracking devices have on the obese pediatric population. A centralized review of the literature was conducted using various data basesand resulted in 19 articles. 5 articles were chosen to review in more detail. 13 other articles were hand searched through credible resource citations, rendering 14 articles that met all criteria. The three general themes found in this literature review suggest that wearable activity tracking devices can be designed and effectively used by the pediatric population. Also, wearable activity tracking devices are accurate in conveying information on physical activity, calories, and heart rate. Lastly, wearable activity tracking devices can initiate behavioral changes in children leading to an increase in physical activity, resulting in the prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity.While in a majority of the studies analyzed trails were short. The research suggests wearable activity tracking devices will produce the desired results of increased activity in pediatric populations when they are worn correctly, are adequately engaging, and when they are designed in a feasible manner that is appealing to children