Physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep measured by smartwatch: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

The health impacts of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep are well established; thereby, the identification of instruments to assess and monitor these behaviors at a populational level is relevant. In this context, smartwatches, which are wristwatch-shaped devices equipped with sensors, have been identified as alternatives for objectively measuring PA, SB, and sleep. Therefore, this protocol aimed at describing the goals and methods of a scoping review to map the literature on the use of smartwatches to objectively measure PA, SB, and/or sleep across the lifespan (e.g., children, adolescents, adults, and elderly) and in different contexts. Studies will be included if they use smartwatches to objectively measure at least one of the behaviors (PA, SB, and sleep) in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, published after 2013. No language filter will be applied. Searches will be carried out in six databases (Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Scielo, Health Technology Assessment Database, and Cochrane clinical trials) and two clinical trial repositories. The screening and data extraction will be performed independently by two authors who had previous experience in reviews and technologies. The synthesis of the results will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute framework for extracting the results in scoping reviews. The results can contribute to scientific progress by identifying gaps and research trends, guiding future studies, and informing companies, healthcare professionals, and the general public who use smartwatch as a measurement tool for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep.