Activity Tracker for Assessing Outdoor Fitness Equipment Use

Authors

  • Cori Sweet University of Tennessee Extension
  • Soghra Jarvandi University of Tennessee Extension
  • Heather Sedges
  • Karen Franck Dr. Karen Franck, PhD is an Assistant Professor with Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2020-10433

Keywords:

Rural, Outdoor Fitness Equipment, Built Environment, Health, Physical Activity

Abstract

Outdoor fitness equipment in parks and green spaces improves access and opportunities for physical activity. Evaluating the use of this equipment is important, as data collected from such assessments can be used to guide future planning and strengthen promotion of physical activity. However, determining equipment usage can be challenging, especially when relying on surveys and in-person observational assessments, which are often time consuming and labor intensive. This project used a commercial activity tracker, the Fitbit Zip, to assess the use of the equipment at eight rural community parks and one green space where fitness equipment was placed.  The tracker was placed on elliptical units and was triggered by user movement. This information provided insight into the frequency of equipment use. The objective of this article is to describe the method used and the type of data collected.

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Author Biographies

Cori Sweet, University of Tennessee Extension

Cori Sweet, MPH, RDN is an Extension Specialist with Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Soghra Jarvandi, University of Tennessee Extension

Dr. Soghra Jarvandi, MD, MPH, PhD is an Assistant Professor with Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Heather Sedges

Dr. Heather Wallace, PhD, CFLE is an Assistant Professor with Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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Published

2021-03-03

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 1 (2021): Special Issue–Innovative Methodologies in Park and Recreation Management, Part I

Section

Research Notes

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