Efficacy of digital interventions on physical activity promotion in individuals with noncommunicable diseases: An overview of systematic reviews.

Abstract

Background Physical inactivity is considered one of the main modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. Multiple barriers have been identified that hinder engagement in traditional physical activity programs and the achievement of PA recommendations. Digital interventions expand opportunities to empower people with non-communicable diseases to be physically active. This overview of systematic reviews aims to evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions on physical activity promotion among individuals with non-communicable diseases. Method A protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022364350). A qualitative synthesis method was applied to summarize the efficacy data. The assessment of methodological quality using AMSTAR-2 for each systematic review was performed by two independent reviewers. Results Searches in nine databases resulted in seven systematic reviews for inclusion. Most of the primary studies included in these seven reviews were conducted in high-income countries. The reviews addressed five populations: participants with cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis. Digital interventions were classified into two categories: interventions based on digital activity trackers and remote interventions via digital facilities. Additional components were identified in both categories of interventions such as motivational content, counseling, goal setting, tailored feedback/reminders, and other behavioral change techniques. The overall quality of the reviews ranged from critically low to low. The findings provided some evidence that both categories of interventions were effective in promoting physical activity. Conclusion Translating these findings into practice demands collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to harness the potential of digital solutions for physical activity promotion to combat an important NCD risk factor.