Fitbit-Measured Activity, Self-Efficacy, and Psychological Health in Diverse Urban Exercise Science College Students

Exercise Science students are expected to engage in physical activity (PA) and model healthy behaviors by meeting the recommended total energy expenditure of ≥500–1,000 MET-min·wk⁻¹. York College of the City University of New York serves a diverse undergraduate population, with 52% living below the NYC poverty line, and many students balancing academics with employment. PURPOSE: This pilot study aimed to assess whether Exercise Science students at York College meet recommended PA levels and to examine the effect of PA on psychological health and self-efficacy. METHODS: Twelve students (4 females, 8 males; age = 23.6 ± 2.9) participated in the study. Participants completed pre- and post-assessments including questionnaires on employment status, PA and exercise habits, and psychological health. Pre-assessments also included blood pressure and anthropometric measurements. Psychological health was evaluated using NIH Toolbox and PROMIS self-report scales. Participants wore a Fitbit Charge 6 for seven consecutive days and maintained a daily log of waking hours, sleep times, and non-wear periods. One-way ANOVA was conducted to evaluate the effects of device use on PA, exercise habits, and psychological health. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between PA levels and psychological health outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 83% of participants who were employed, 40% worked full-time and 60% part-time, averaging 15–20 work hours per week. Wearing the Fitbit device had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on PA levels, exercise habits, or psychological health. No participants met the recommended PA level of ≥500–1,000 MET-min·wk⁻¹. However, higher MET-min·wk⁻¹ scores were significantly correlated with lower depression levels (r = -0.58, p < 0.05) and higher exercise self-efficacy (r = 0.58, p < 0.05). Trends were observed for fatigue (r = -0.54) and self-efficacy (r = 0.55) (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Exercise Science students at an urban college do not meet the recommended total energy expenditure. Among participants, greater energy expenditure was associated with lower depression levels and higher exercise self-efficacy scores. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the pilot nature of the study and small sample size.