Promoting Physical Activity and Weight Loss With mHealth Interventions Among Workers: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background Physical activity (PA) is a vital factor in promoting health in the workforce. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have recently emerged in workplace health promotion as an effective strategy for inducing changes in health behaviors among workers; however, the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in promoting PA and weight loss for workers is unclear. Objective This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of current evidence on the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in promoting PA and weight loss among workers. Methods We searched relevant databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, and the Cochrane Library, for publications on mHealth interventions in the English or Korean language from inception to December 2020. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of mHealth in improving PA and weight loss were retrieved. A meta-analysis with a random effects model and subgroup analyses was performed on PA types and mHealth intervention characteristics. Results A total of 8 studies were included in this analysis. More than half of the studies (5/8, 63%) were identified as having a high risk of bias. The mHealth intervention group showed a significant improvement in PA (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.22, 95% CI 0.03-0.41; P<.001; I2=78%). No significant difference in weight loss was observed when comparing the intervention group with the control groups (SMD 0.02, 95% CI –0.07 to 0.10; P=.48; I2=0%). A subgroup analysis was also performed; walking activity (SMD 0.70, 95% CI 0.21-1.19; P<.001; I2=83.3%), a multicomponent program (SMD 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.33; P=.03; I2=57.4%), objective measurement (SMD 0.58, 95% CI 0.05-1.10; P<.001; I2=87.3%), and 2 or more delivery modes (SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.01-0.87; P<.001; I2=85.1%) were significantly associated with an enhancement in PA. Conclusions This study suggests that mHealth interventions are effective for improving PA among workers. Future studies that assess long-term efficacy with a larger population are recommended.

Usage of a workplace health promotion app: an evaluation of app usage data and medical check-up results

“…27 Literature reviews have pointed out increased physical activity, better productivity, and higher engagement; however, often, the effects are not significant. 28,29 Additionally, a study by Lowenstyn et al has also reported the potential effectiveness of a medical check-up in combination with the use of web-based information 30 as a new promising measure, supporting our study aim. Some authors have further argued that more studies on the effectiveness of these apps by using a larger number of participants and longer time frames are required.…”

“…Some authors have further argued that more studies on the effectiveness of these apps by using a larger number of participants and longer time frames are required. 28 Other studies have contributed in the field of adoption to gain insights into the potential usage and acceptance of end-users. 24,31 To explain a range of usage behaviors and detect usage approaches, studies have combined available theoretical frameworks and models, such as the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM).…”

mHealth Research for Weight Loss, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior: Bibliometric Analysis

“…Over the past few years, it has become clear that mHealth technologies (eg, apps or SMS) can help to reduce weight loss, improve physical activity, and change behavior [ 5 - 8 ]. Previous reviews evaluated the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in these three domains [ 9 - 12 ]. These reviews suggest that mHealth interventions appear to be promising for preventive and therapeutic activities.…”

mHealth Research for Weight Loss, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior: Bibliometric Analysis (Preprint)

“…Over the past few years, it has become clear that mHealth technologies (eg, apps or SMS) can help to reduce weight loss, improve physical activity, and change behavior [5][6][7][8]. Previous reviews evaluated the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in these three domains [9][10][11][12]. These reviews suggest that mHealth interventions appear to be promising for preventive and therapeutic activities.…”