Effectiveness of wearable activity monitors varies with personal needs and preferences, new research shows. Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston compared 13 various activity monitors, including ones made by Fitbit, Nike, or Jawbone to determine how effectively the devices and their companion apps help to motivate individuals wearing them.

The goal of the researchers is to determine how effective the devices are in an increasingly expanding and large market for such devices. Wearable electronic activity monitors assist in helping individuals reach their health and fitness goals through a variety of functions and features. These devices, which are increasingly becoming more sophisticated, help to monitor activities and bodily responses among wearers in an effort to improve their overall fitness.

Researchers noted that although many apps in the wearable devices matched recommendations from those in the healthy community, many aspects are important for helping consumers reach their goals. Ultimately, specific device selection depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.

Research from the study, which was recently published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, highlights similarities between methods provided to patients from their health care providers and the devices.

The study’s senior author, Elizabeth Lyons, assistant professor at UTMB’s Institute for Translational Sciences, said in a statement, “Despite their rising popularity, little is known about how these monitors differ from one another, what options they provide in their applications and how these options may impact their effectiveness.” She continued, “The feedback provided by these devices can be as, if not more, comprehensive than that provided by health care professionals.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a weekly average of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity along with muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week for adults ages 18 through 64.