Public Library: Akron-Summit Fitbit Cohorts

The Science & Technology Division of the Akron Ohio-Summit County Public Library plans to create a multi-week program of loaning wearable fitness trackers to groups of people for the purpose of encouraging regular and sustained increase in physical activity. We will select groups of people from pre-existing community groups or groups selected for this purpose and treat them as a cohort - having them all at an initial program for instruction both on using the device and locating quality health information in support of increasing their activity levels as well as an initial 'weigh-in' provided by students in the University of Akron's Department of Sport Science & Wellness Education. We will encourage participants to return midway through the program to check their weight, discover some more resources, and provide fellowship, all in order to continue the momentum developed in the initial presentation and increase motivation. We will have a final session to weigh, encourage continued activity, and collect the trackers. We will encourage users to continue their healthy exercise habits, and to connect with library staff on a regular basis after the project concludes. We will offer this program to several groups through 2018.