Michael Sheldon and Michael Burman discuss fitness and behavior change in Journal Tribune
Michael Sheldon, Ph.D., PT, associate professor and program director for the Department of Physical Therapy, and Michael Burman, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychology, recently appeared in a Journal Tribune article regarding behavior change and the use of fitness tracking devices.
In the article, Sheldon explained that fitness bands are useful for helping consumers set and achieve attainable exercise goals. He noted that they could be especially useful for physicians because they provide a more comprehensive look into patient activity levels and health patterns.
Burman continued the discussion from a psychological standpoint. He explained that setting specific goals, rather than general goals, are more effective for behavior change. Burman reasoned that the bands allow people to determine those goals more easily than they could without the data.
Though Sheldon expressed concern over the potential for privacy issues with the devices, he said he supports anything that helps individuals get up and get moving.