TITLE:
Effectiveness of a Fitbit Based Sleep and Physical Activity Intervention in an Early Intervention Psychosis (EIP) Service
AUTHORS:
Chris Griffiths, Ksenija da Silva, Farah Hina, Sue Jugon, Gemma Willis, Samantha Yardley, Jonathon Walker, Marlene Kelbrick
KEYWORDS:
Fitbit, Wearables, Psychosis, Sleep, Exercise, Activity, Weight
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.12 No.2,
April
22,
2022
ABSTRACT: Purpose: Compared to levels in the general population, people
with experiences of psychosis have poorer physical fitness, more sedentary behaviour,
lower physical activity, more sleep problems, and a higher incidence of insomnia. The aim of the current
study was to examine the feasibility and impact
of an intervention with the goal of addressing these issues. Method: Design:
intervention with outcome measure data collection, with no control group. Forty-nine early
intervention psychosis (EIP) service patients took part in an intervention: provision of a Fitbit,
Fitbit software apps, sleep hygiene, and physical activity guidance, and three
discussion sessions with clinicians. The sample consisted of 29 males and 20 females, with
age range of 17 - 54 years, and average age of 29.5 years. Measures used were Fitbit
activity and sleep data, and self-rated Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing
Scale (WEMWBS) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results: WEMWBS
scores significantly improved, with a medium effect size. PANAS negative affect (NA)
dropped significantly. Analysis
of Fitbit activity and sleep data yielded non-significant results. Conclusion: The intervention was
acceptable to EIP patients and is feasible. Improvements in mental wellbeing and negative affect
indicate the positive impact of the intervention on mental health. EIP services
should consider assessing sleep quality and physical activity/exercise levels,
and using this study’s intervention to promote wellbeing and mental health
within recovery focused practice. Further research could be
undertaken through a sufficiently powered randomised control trial (RCT)
comparing this intervention and treatment as usual (TAU).