Question
What are 'perceived versus 'actual' activities in trackers and wearables?
Answer
When wearing a fitness tracker (e.g. Fitbit, Apple or Withings watch), the device will count some movements as ‘perceived’ activity. For example, if you are fidgeting at your desk, the wearable may count these movements as steps when you are actually not walking anywhere.
The data sent to Moves+ will only include ‘actual’ activity data (e.g. only steps completed when actually walking). The ‘actual’ data can differ from the ‘perceived’ data that you are shown on your wearable or app.
Sometimes there can be a big difference between the perceived and actual data and so points you receive can seem less than the activity shown on your wearable device.
If you are concerned, please contact your institution administrator with full details of your issue.