THE DRAWBACKS of technology for children who spend their lives with their heads in a screen are well documented.
However, a recent Limerick study has revealed how one gadget may be helping children with a serious illness.
FitBit devices are helping children with Type 1 Diabetes improve their physical activity levels, according to research conducted by Dr Susan Giblin presented at the annual NCHD (non-consultant hospital doctor) conference held in University Hospital Limerick.
Dr Giblin’s study examined physical activity levels amongst 30 children aged between five and 17 years who attend the paediatric diabetes service at University Hospital Limerick.
To do this, participants were required to wear a FitBit for five days to monitor their physical activity levels.
According to Dr Giblin, Type 1 Diabetes affects more than 2,500 children nationwide. While medication is the main treatment type for children with Type 1 Diabetes, physical activity also helps in managing the condition.
Despite the many benefits of taking part in physical activity, international figures suggest that children with the condition are not meeting the recommended daily requirements.
The average number of daily steps recorded during the study was 10,500, with all those taking part perceiving themselves to be ‘active’ or ‘very active’.
The majority of participants enjoyed wearing the device and 83 per cent reported that it acted as a daily reminder to increase their physical activity levels.
“Exercise is an important, modifiable factor for physical, social, emotional and psychological wellbeing,” said Dr Giblin, whose research won her the Silver Medal at this year’s conference.
“I hope that further research in this area will promote a more holistic integration of physical activity as part of clinical management plans for young people living with chronic conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes.”
