The Effect of Wearable and Smartphone Applications on Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Cardiovascular Health Outcomes in Overweight/Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND

Advances in the device and smartphone technology have resulted in a convenient option for providing physical activity strategies; this is especially important during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of wearable and smartphone-based interventions to promote physical activity and improve quality of life and cardiovascular health outcomes among overweight/obese adults.

DATA SOURCES

We searched relevant databases up to 18 November 2021 for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials lasting 4 or more weeks that investigated the impacts of wearables and smartphone applications on physical activity, quality of life and health outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies including 2373 participants were included. There was a significant pooled standard mean differences (SMD) for the comparison between intervention versus control in steps per day (SMD: 0.54; 0.0003), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (SMD: 0.47; 0.02), quality of life (SMD: 0.33; 0.0006), body weight (mean difference (MD), -1.61 kg; 0.009), and BMI (MD, -0.59 kg/m; 0.04). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate (all 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that wearable and smartphone-based interventions are effective strategies in promoting physical activity and can provide a direct contact line to health professionals.