Using heart-rate feedback to increase physical activity in children

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to test whether heart-rate feedback prompts increased physical activity (PA) in primary school students.MethodsA controlled trial with 210 9–11 year olds from subsidized Hong Kong Government primary schools was completed in December 2006. Schools were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Control (CG); Educational program (EG); No-educational program (NEG).InterventionIn a short-term school-based intervention, heart-rate feedback was given either in combination with an educational program (EG) or in isolation (NEG). Long-term retention was assessed in comparison to the control group after 6 months follow-up.Main outcome measuresPhysical activity and changes in attraction to PA.ResultsIn the short-term, heart-rate monitor feedback increased total daily PA by an average of 24% (p < 0.001) and vigorous PA by 0.6% (p < 0.05). No change was found for moderate PA. Increases occurred regardless of involvement in the educational program, and in the absence of any change in attitudes towards PA. No long-term retention was apparent.ConclusionsThe findings from the study suggest that feedback from heart-rate monitors encourages low intensity PA, but when removed increases do not persist.