Mobile health interventions for active aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of physical activity promotion.

Abstract

Background: With increasing evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity (PA) for older adults, there is a critical need for effective interventions to promote activity in this population. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer innovative approaches to enhance engagement in PA, yet evidence of their effectiveness remains varied and insufficiently synthesized. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in improving physical health, quality of life, cognitive function, and mental well-being among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies that utilized mHealth interventions to promote PA among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. The literature search included electronic databases like PubMed, Web of Science and CENTRAL, with studies published from 2014 onwards. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and single-group studies that provided quantitative and qualitative data on physical health outcomes.

Results: The search yielded 4,453 studies, with 22 meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies involved a total of 3,055 participants, primarily from high-income countries. The interventions included the use of an application (n=5), websites (n=7), wearable device (n=3), website + wearable device (n=3), and application + wearable device (n=3). Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs, representing 2,204 participants, showed an overall significant effect of the mHealth intervention [standardized mean difference =0.23; 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.38], subgroup analysis shows varied effects on PA levels, with some studies reporting significant improvements in PA metrics, while others showed minimal impact.

Conclusions: mHealth interventions have the potential to promote PA among older adults, but the effectiveness is highly variable. This variability may be influenced by intervention design, technology used, and participant engagement. Future research should focus on personalized, adaptable mHealth solutions that address the specific needs and preferences of older adults to enhance sustained engagement and effectiveness.