Mobile health apps to reduce sedentary behavior: a scoping review

Abstract

Summary Given the continued increase in mobile health applications (apps) aimed at healthcare and the recognition of sedentary behavior (SB) as a public health problem, the goal of this scoping review study was to summarize the effects of interventions based on mobile health apps designed to reduce SB in adults, with a specific focus on SB. The electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, SportDISCUS, Web of Science, and manual searches in reference lists were conducted on papers published up to September 2020. Nine out of the 897 studies researched were included and composed the descriptive synthesis. The investigations found in the present study showed a decrease in time spent on television viewing and in total time spent sitting, as well as an increase in the number of SB breaks after interventions based on mobile health apps. In conclusion, despite the growing interest in intervention programs in SB, only nine studies have used smartphone apps as a strategy to reduce SB in adults. Mobile health apps were proved to be effective in SB reduction, as assessed by different parameters, and should be encouraged. However, further studies are needed to verify the long-term effects of the utilization of such applications.

Age Unplugged: A Brief Narrative Review on the Intersection of Digital Tools, Sedentary and Physical Activity Behaviors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…The drive to amplify the benefits of mHealth is an active area of research aimed at refining application features, improving user interfaces, and conducting rigorous evaluations of these interventions. Such efforts are critical for determining the most effective intervention strategies, fine-tuning the frequency of activity prompts, and ensuring long-term, transparent use of mHealth solutions [62][63][64]. With a focus on intuitive design and the use of widely accessible mobile technologies, mHealth programs have great potential to improve the health and well-being of the aging population, provided that the identified areas for improvement are addressed.…”

Development of an Android Mobile Application for Reducing Sitting Time and Increasing Walking Time in People with Type 2 Diabetes

“…These are small, yet significant changes in behaviour that can provide a preparation base for the individual to pursue further behaviour change to achieve an activity goal. Available evidence has highlighted that apps are effective in reducing SB, however there's scarcity of mobile apps for SB reduction among adults including people with T2D [25]. Moreover, delivering JITAIs by utilising either sensors or apps to reduce SB and promote PA is in its infancy [26].…”