Does Activity Feedback Increase ICD Patient Activity Levels?

Medical device technology for use by patients is gaining popularity. Modern cardiac disease
management seeks to integrate multiple device technologies and capabilities to optimize
health outcomes. Fitbit, Inc. manufactures a line of wireless-enabled activity, wearable
trackers that are used in conjunction with a mobile device. The Fitbit trackers use
three-dimensional accelerometers to sense and record movement. This technology represents a
new frontier for patients and their health care providers to understand and track physical
activity in real time. The primary aim of the current project is to assess whether activity
feedback using FitBit technology affects implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patient
activity level as measured by the ICD accelerometer. The investigators will also examine the
perceived added value of Fitbit technology to an ICD patient user experience.

Approximately 50 participants will be recruited. Participants in the experimental group (n =
25) will use the Fitbit device for 12 weeks. The experimental group will receive fitness
goals (number of steps per day) to increase activity from a baseline value to a minimum of
7000 steps per day by week 9 of the intervention. Both groups will receive weekly texts
messages to encourage activity. Feedback about technology satisfaction, cardiac anxiety,
cardiac self-care, and health care utilization will be elicited from patients at multiple
time points. Additional information will be gained about patient decision-making as
participants may elect to continue Fitbit use beyond the study period; this will allow for
behavioral evidence of the perceived value of adding this technology.