The Effectiveness of Physical Activity-Promoting Web- and Mobile-Based Distance Weight Loss Interventions on Body Composition in Rehabilitation Settings: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis

Abstract

Background Overweight and obesity are major problems worldwide, and they lead to an increased risk for several diseases. The use of technology in the treatment of obesity is promising, but in the existing literature, there is considerable uncertainty regarding its efficacy. In this review, we included web- and mobile-based weight loss interventions that were implemented remotely in rehabilitation settings. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to study the effectiveness of physical activity-promoting web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions in rehabilitation settings on body composition in comparison with control groups that did not use technology. Methods Studies were searched from 9 databases. The inclusion criteria were as follows: population: age 18-65 years; intervention: physical activity-promoting web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions; comparison: control groups without the use of technology; outcome: changes in BMI, waist circumference, or body fat percentage; study design: randomized controlled trial. The quality of the studies was assessed by 2 researchers. Meta-analysis was performed, and we also conducted a meta-regression analysis to evaluate the factors associated with the changes in body composition outcomes if statistical heterogeneity was observed. Results The meta-analysis included 30 studies. The mean quality of the studies was 7 of 13 (SD 1.9; range 3-10). A statistically significant difference was observed in BMI (mean difference [MD] 0.83, 95% CI 0.51-1.15 kg/m2; P<.001), waist circumference (MD 2.45, 95% CI 1.83-3.07 cm; P<.001), and body fat percentage (MD 1.07%, 95% CI 0.74%-1.41%; P<.001) in favor of the weight loss groups using web- or mobile-based interventions. Meta-regression analyses found an association between personal feedback and BMI (P=.04), but other factors did not play a role in explaining statistical heterogeneity. Conclusions Web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions significantly reduced BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Future studies should focus on the comparability of the intervention content. Future studies are needed to better understand weight loss and identify which components are essential in achieving it. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42016035831; https://tinyurl.com/7c93tvd4

The Added Value of Remote Technology in Cardiac Rehabilitation on Physical Function, Anthropometrics, and Quality of Life: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Previous obesity-related, technology-based systematic reviews and meta-analyses in rehabilitation settings compared experimental groups with heterogeneous control groups [ 23 ]. The differences in the content of the experimental and control groups varied greatly, and because of this, the added value of the technology remains unclear.…”

“…The differences in the content of the experimental and control groups varied greatly, and because of this, the added value of the technology remains unclear. For example, in the study by Lahtio et al [ 23 ], none of the included studies examined the added value of technology. In most cases, for in-rehabilitation interventions, both technology and face-to-face meetings are used in experimental groups [ 23 ].…”

“…For example, in the study by Lahtio et al [ 23 ], none of the included studies examined the added value of technology. In most cases, for in-rehabilitation interventions, both technology and face-to-face meetings are used in experimental groups [ 23 ]. These were the main reasons why the interest in this study was to determine the added value of technology.…”

“…The current goal of rehabilitation is to support and maintain individuals’ physical, mental, and social resources [ 15 ] and to maintain or achieve a healthier lifestyle and well-being using mixed methods of face-to-face rehabilitation and self-rehabilitation using remote technology [ 16 , 17 ]. The current literature shows that digitalization and advanced technology can support independent home-based rehabilitation in different rehabilitation groups [ 1 , 18 - 21 ] and improve physical activity [ 22 ] and body composition [ 23 ]. Technology-based interventions may also improve lifestyle risk factors and disease management in rehabilitees with cardiac diseases [ 24 - 26 ].…”

Nutritional control PWA to reduce problems derived from overweight in high school students of a Public School

“…Por ello, se escoge a los colegios porque son entornos adecuados en donde se pueden realizar actividades para la prevención de la obesidad juvenil, ya que en estos lugares pasan la mayor parte de su tiempo [6]. Para controlar estos casos de obesidad se opta por utilizar el IMC ya que es el método más asequible para identificar si los individuos poseen sobrepeso, y en consecuencia, detectar posibles riesgos [7].Asimismo, medios como la web y móviles nos permitirán realizar un control del peso corporal de manera remota, con la finalidad de reducir el IMC, circunferencia de la cintura y pérdida porcentual de grasa [8].…”