A Comparison of Physical Activity Mobile Apps With and Without Existing Web-Based Social Networking Platforms: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Physical activity mobile apps present a unique medium to disseminate scalable interventions to increase levels of physical activity. However, the effectiveness of mobile apps has previously been limited by low levels of engagement. Existing Web-based social networking platforms (eg, Facebook and Twitter) afford high levels of popularity, reach, and sustain engagement and, thus, may present an innovative strategy to enhance the engagement, and ultimately the effectiveness of mobile apps. Objective This study aimed to comparatively examine the effectiveness of, and engagement with, interventions that incorporate physical activity mobile apps in conjunction with and without existing Web-based social networking platforms (eg, Facebook and Twitter). Methods A systematic review was conducted by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines. A systematic search of the following databases was conducted: Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, and Cochrane. According to the comparative objective of this review, 2 independent literature searches were conducted. The first incorporated terms related to apps and physical activity; the second also incorporated terms related to Web-based social networking. The results of the two searches were synthesized and compared narratively. Results A total of 15 studies were identified, 10 incorporated a physical activity app alone and 5 incorporated an app in conjunction with an existing Web-based social networking platform. Overall, 10 of the 15 interventions were effective in improving one or more physical activity behaviors. Specifically, improvements in physical activity behaviors were reported in 7 of the 10 interventions incorporating physical activity apps alone and in 3 of the 5 interventions incorporating physical activity apps in conjunction with existing Web-based social networking platforms. Interventions incorporating physical activity apps alone demonstrated a decline in app engagement. In contrast, the physical activity apps in conjunction with existing Web-based social networking platforms showed increased and sustained intervention engagement. Conclusions The interventions incorporating physical activity apps in conjunction with and without existing Web-based social networking platforms demonstrated effectiveness in improving physical activity behaviors. Notably, however, the interventions that incorporated existing Web-based social networking platforms achieved higher levels of engagement than those that did not. This review provides preliminary evidence that existing Web-based social networking platforms may be fundamental to increase engagement with physical activity interventions.

Commercial app use linked with sustained physical activity in two Canadian provinces: a 12-month quasi-experimental study

“…Not surprisingly, PA apps make up the bulk of all mHealth apps (30%, or roughly 100,000 apps) [17]. Unfortunately, low PA app engagement leading to small effects and little sustainability have been industry hallmarks [17][18][19].…”

“…A 2016 systematic review [18] and a 2019 meta-analysis [20] of studies using apps to improve PA found that few stand-alone app interventions reported positive effects. Another recent meta-analysis [21] and systematic review [19] on the other hand found that app-based interventions increased PA. The still limited number of RCTs in this area (n < 10), due in part to the rapid pace of app development and rollout, may help explain the discrepancies [19,20].…”

Adding Team-Based Financial Incentives to the Carrot Rewards App Increases Daily Step Count on a Population Scale: A 24-Week Matched Pairs Study

“…24,26,30 Despite their popularity, very little is known about the effectiveness of commercial PA apps (or their design features) since few have undergone rigorous peer-reviewed evaluation. 10,31 Among the 15 studies included in the recent Petersen et al (2019) review of PA apps, for example, only ve examined commercially available ones (e.g., Fitbit, 'Zombie, Run!') despite there being several hundred thousand in the major app stores.…”

“…despite there being several hundred thousand in the major app stores. 31 Among these ve, little consideration was given to the role of engagement as an effect moderator despite suggestions that intervention exposure is imperative and that greater engagement usually yields larger effects. 32 The Carrot Rewards app was a top tier Canadian app (i.e.…”

“…To enhance our understanding of mHealth interventions, and acknowledging how di cult it can be to conduct RCTs in fast paced commercial digital environments, non-RCT alternatives (e.g., quasiexperimental designs) have been recommended. 31,35,36 Quasi-experimental evaluations of "top tier" commercial apps (i.e. the top 2% of apps reporting more than 500,000 MAUs) 5 may provide particularly valuable insight into mHealth app engagement, it's role in promoting health behaviours, and how it can be improved on a population scale.…”