Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions in Promoting Physical Activity Among College Students: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background Recent studies offer conflicting conclusions about the effectiveness of digital health interventions in changing physical activity behaviors. In addition, research focusing on digital health interventions for college students remains relatively scarce. Objective This study aims to examine the impact of digital health interventions on physical activity behaviors among college students, using objective measures as outcome indicators. Methods In accordance with the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO (CINAHL Plus with full text), to identify relevant intervention studies published up to June 6, 2023. The inclusion criteria specified studies that examined the quantitative relationships between digital health interventions and physical activity among adults aged 18 years to 29 years, focusing on light physical activity (LPA), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST), or steps. Non–randomized controlled trials were excluded. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results were synthesized both narratively and quantitatively, where applicable. When sufficient homogeneity was found among studies, a random-effects model was used for meta-analysis to account for variability. Results In total, 8 studies, encompassing 569 participants, were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes measured were LPA, MVPA, ST, and steps. Among these studies, 3 reported on LPA, 5 on MVPA, 5 on ST, and 3 on steps. The meta-analysis revealed a significant increase in steps for the intervention group compared with the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.64, 95% CI 0.37-0.92; P<.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups regarding LPA (SMD –0.08, 95% CI –0.32 to 0.16; P=.51), MVPA (SMD 0.02, 95% CI –0.19 to 0.22; P=.88), and ST (SMD 0.03, 95% CI –0.18 to 0.24; P=.78). Conclusions Digital health interventions are effective in increasing steps among college students; however, their effects on LPA, MVPA, and sedentary behavior are limited. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42024533180; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=533180