Overview
Funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), our research team led a pilot project to distribute free Fitbit devices to individuals within communities facing the highest levels of inequalities and evaluate their impact on digital skills and health and wellbeing.
Working with our colleagues in the Social Prescribing team and the Community Delivery team at Ladywood Share Shack, we gave out 300 Fitbits to participants of our services who have a long-term health condition including hypertension, chronic depression, and diabetes or have lifestyle risk factors such as low physical activity or obesity.
The analysis of survey results taken before and after receiving the Fitbit showed that Fitbit recipients reported increased levels of physical activity, improved wellbeing and sleep quality, as well as enhanced digital skills and confidence after using the Fitbit. The Fitbits were also found to improve recipients’ motivation to stay active.
The research also highlighted challenges to digital inclusion, namely, the lack of smartphones or mobile data for some users, and digital skills support needed to setup and use the Fitbits. Cost was also a barrier for people being able to continue to use their Fitbit for paid-for features, once the pilot had ended.
Overall, our research shows that having access to a Fitbit device, and removing the cost to this technology, has positive impacts on the digital skills and wellbeing for people with health conditions. It has also highlighted areas for agencies involved in improving digital inclusion to explore further and maximise impact, for example, their potential when used within social prescribing programmes and as preventative tools.
“encouraged me to be more digitally confident”
“has had a positive impact on my health made me more aware of the importance of being physically active and motivated me to do more”
“Fitbit can make you feel you want to do more. Go for a walk and monitor your steps which is good for someone who wouldn’t normally do that. Join an exercise class meeting other people, which is all good for our physical and mental health. It helps us monitor ourselves in so many ways.”
