What this is
The ActiveStep Research Study service is operated by the University of Michigan on behalf of its research studies. When a research participant chooses to share their Fitbit device data from their Google account, this service collects that data through the Google Health API and stores it securely for the specific study the participant enrolled in — and nothing else.
Consent first
No data is accessed until you approve it on Google’s own consent screen. You can revoke access at any time from your Google Account.
Research only
Your data is used solely for the IRB-approved study you joined. It is never sold and never used for advertising.
Protected
Data is encrypted in transit, access credentials are encrypted at rest, and access is limited to authorized study personnel.
Are you a study participant?
This website is not something you sign up for on your own — enrollment always begins with a University of Michigan research study. If you are participating in a study that uses Fitbit data, your study team will send you a personal, secure link that walks you through connecting your account.
How it works
- Your study team sends you a secure connection link.
- You review what will be shared, then approve (or decline) on Google’s consent screen.
- The service periodically collects the health and fitness data you approved — such as activity, heart rate, and sleep — and stores it securely for your study.
- You may stop sharing at any time via your Google Account permissions or by contacting your study team.
Your privacy
Our use of information received from Google APIs adheres to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements. Full details are in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.