Employees could be motivated to be more active with the help of Internet-based platforms and activity trackers, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center and other medical institutions.

Published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), the findings reveal user engagement levels increased when employees used a fitness tracking device and the Walkadoo platform in a goal-oriented effort to be more active. The tools included an online portal for updates on progress, emails and text messages to allow users to assess status of steps and goals in various ways.

A total of 265 employees participated in the six-week-long study, half of which were placed in a control group that was left to their own initiative regarding activity. Those in the treatment group received an activity tracker and Walkadoo access, and were able to outperform their peers in the control group by 970 steps a day. Nevertheless, both groups benefited from the program.

“Our findings add to the evidence that physical activity interventions can be effective in the workplace where employees tend to sit at their desks for long periods,” the study’s authors say. “This program was effective despite not being designed specifically or exclusively for workplace implementations.”

Consumers are increasingly embracing activity trackers with sales of both basic bands and smartwatches keep growing. According to recent Canalys figures, 37 million basic bands were sold in 2015, with Fitbit holding the top spot. Apple, on its end, is the leading smartwatch maker.