Technology-Supported Physical Activity and Its Potential as a Tool to Promote Young Women’s Physical Activity and Physical Literacy: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Despite the known benefits of physical activity (PA), globally, rates of engagement in PA remain low. The low engagement of PA among young women has the potential to impact their health. Technology-supported PA may be able to increase PA and physical literacy (skills that can support PA) among young women.Objective: This systematic review aimed to investigate the: i) associations between technology-supported PA and PA levels, ii) associations between technology-supported PA and physical literacy levels and iii) the types of technology-supported PA that are associated with higher levels of PA engagement among women aged 13-24 years.Methods: Eligible studies were original research, published in English between 2010 and 2023 from six databases; Medline Complete, SPORTDiscus, Global Health, Education Source, Applied Science, and EMBASE. The studies focused on young women between 13-24 years-old, were either technology-supported PA interventions or research exploring correlation between technology and PA and/or physical literacy. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklists for randomised control trials (RCT), cross-sectional and quasi-experimental study designs.Results: Eligible studies were original research, published in English between 2010 and 2023 from six databases; Medline Complete, SPORTDiscus, Global Health, Education Source, Applied Science, and EMBASE. The studies focused on young women between 13-24 years-old, were either technology-supported PA interventions or research exploring correlation between technology and PA and/or physical literacy. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklists for randomised control trials (RCT), cross-sectional and quasi-experimental study designs.Conclusions: This is the first review to investigate the literature exploring the use of technology-supported PA in young women. This review found limited evidence that technology-supported PA can improve young women's PA or physical literacy. Given that technology-supported PA is still in its infancy, and technology is continuing to rapidly advance, further studies are needed to demonstrate the value and impact of technology-supported PA in improving PA and physical literacy among young women.