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Boosting Motivation: Fitbit, Social Networking Helps Women Exercise More

Summary: What makes this study different from others that focus on increasing physical activity?
Air Date: 12/18/15
Duration: 10
Host: Leigh Vinocur, MD
Guest Bio: Danielle Arigo, PhD
Danielle Arigo Dr. Danielle Arigo is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at The University of Scranton in Scranton, PA. She also is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a specialty in health psychology/behavioral medicine.

She received her Ph.D. from Syracuse University (Clinical Psychology, 2012) and completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Drexel University (Health Psychology, 2014). She directs the Clinical Health Psychology Research team at The University of Scranton and is a Scholar for the 2015-2016 PRIDE-Cardiovascular Disease Summer Institute, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute).

Her research investigates social influences on health and health behaviors (such as obesity, diabetes, physical activity, eating behavior/disorders) and the benefits of online social networking for improving health.
Boosting Motivation: Fitbit, Social Networking Helps Women Exercise More
If you're someone who likes to spread the gift of health during the holiday season, you may consider buying a wearable tracking device for those you love.

A recent study found that the benefits of wearing a Fitbit and sharing results on social media can help people stay motivated (especially during a time of year when it seems like all you do is eat and drink), which may have you thinking of getting one for yourself, too.

Researchers from the University of Scranton conducted a study where 20 sedentary women used a Fitbit and were assigned exercise partners for six weeks. The women also filled out an online survey about their social contact.

Researchers found that the women's physical activity was highest when they had the most social contact.

How can you use a Fitbit (or other fitness device) in order to help you stay motivated?

Listen in as the study author, Danielle Arigo, PhD, shares the findings in her study and what it means for staying motivated.