What is the role of smartphones on physical activity promotion? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Natan Feter (), Tiago Silva Santos, Eduardo Lucia Caputo and Marcelo Cozzensa Silva
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Natan Feter: Federal University of Pelotas
Tiago Silva Santos: Federal University of Pelotas
Eduardo Lucia Caputo: Federal University of Pelotas
Marcelo Cozzensa Silva: Federal University of Pelotas

International Journal of Public Health, 2019, vol. 64, issue 5, No 7, 679-690

Abstract: Abstract Objectives To identify and evaluate the effect of interventions that used cell phones as a means to promote physical activity (PA). Methods The databases searched were MedLine/PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Lilacs, and SciELO. After removing duplicates, applying exclusion criteria, and checking the reference lists, 45 studies were reviewed. The Downs and Black (D&B) scale measured methodological quality, and a random effect model was used to compute the meta-analysis of PA by the reported unit (minutes per day or steps per day), delivery agent (application (APP), SMS, or other), and PA measurement (questionnaire, accelerometer, pedometer). Results Mobile phone-based PA interventions were efficient in increasing both minutes [10.49; CI (3.37–17.60); p = 0.004] and steps per day [735.17; CI (227.72–1242.61); p = 0.005] in adults when compared to baseline. Furthermore, APP-based interventions were able to increase the number of steps (p = 0.04) and minutes per day of PA (p = 0.04) in adults. Also, 85% of included manuscripts were classified as moderate- to high-quality articles. Conclusions Mobile phone-based PA interventions, inclusive those delivery by APP, were effective to increase minutes and steps per day in adults.

Keywords: Physical activity; Interventions; Mobile devices; Adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-019-01210-7

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