Today we're announcing support for BodyTrace weight scales. We're excited to offer this new integration to researchers seeking to easily measure and remotely track participants' weight.
Weight tracking is an important part of many health behavior research studies and remote patient monitoring programs. In fact, self-monitoring has been linked to positive outcomes for weight loss trials. New scales offer the ability to remotely track weight as they can be connected to home WiFi networks or via Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone. However, not everyone has home internet access or owns a smartphone. This is where BodyTrace really shines.
BodyTrace scales are unique in that they offer the ability to seamlessly and easily track weight remotely. When participants step on the scales that data is automatically sent, via a secure cellular connection, to BodyTrace servers and is made accessible via a Fitabase project. There is no user profile to set up, no need to create email accounts either. Just link the scale to your Fitabase project using the scale's included ID and watch the data roll in.
As part of our integration we've incorporated some simple device compliance information, including battery life and signal strength. Of course, weight data is easily viewable and exportable from participant report pages as well. If you're running a blinded trial, there is also the option to remotely disable the display so participant's aren't shown their weight data.
"BodyTrace scales coupled with Fitabase's platform gives researchers a complete picture of their overall health," stated Amit Ghia, Director at BodyTrace. "BodyTrace scales have been used in several previous and on-going research studies to promote weight loss. These studies use daily weight monitoring combined with behavioral change feedback to drive motivation for sustained weight management. With no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth needed, our scales are easier for participants to use since there is no setup or syncing. In addition, our scales have been validated against traditional scales."
If you're interested in using BodyTrace scales please get in touch!
Here are a few of the published studies that have used BodyTrace scales:
- Concordance of in-home 'smart' scale measurement with body weight measured in-person
- The efficacy of a daily self-weighing weight loss intervention using smart scales and e-mail
- Study protocol examining effectiveness of brief behavioral interventions promoting regular self-weighing to prevent weight regain (The LIMIT Study)