The impact of utilizing mobile phones to promote physical activity among post-secondary students: a scoping review

Abstract

A commitment to regular physical activity may reduce the risks of chronic diseases for young adults. Internationally, the majority of post-secondary students are insufficiently active for health benefits. Novel health strategies and interventions utilizing mobiles phones could increase post-secondary students' physical activity levels. However, there is contradictory evidence to support the use of mobile phones to promote physical activity, and a scoping review could provide further insights into this topic. The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review to explore the existing literature and investigate what is currently known about the use of mobile phones to enhance physical activity levels among post-secondary students. A total of 84 articles were identified from the literature search, and six studies were selected for data analysis. Two major themes were supported by the evidence, which included: (I) the relationship between mobile phones and physical activity levels; and (II) students' perceptions of mobile phones. Goal setting principles combined with text message interventions were reported to have significant influences on students' physical activity levels. Students expressed mixed feelings about coaching elements of apps and posting personal results on social networking websites. No studies reported the use of objective physical activity measurements. In conclusion, mobile phone technologies such as text message reminders could be included in health interventions to enhance post-secondary students' physical activity levels. There is limited evidence available on this topic and additional research is warranted to establish a clearer understanding of the relationship between mobile phones and post-secondary students' physical activity.

The possibility of a significant increase in the level of motor activity in students with the use of the potential of computer technology

“…The use of such monitors by students allows young people to maintain a certain level of physical activity for a long time [37]. There are a number of studies on the prospects of using smartphones and mobile applications to improve the level of everyday MA [38] and manage their weight [39]. There are studies that prove the positive impact of mobile technology on the results of maintaining the user's weight at the recommended level [40].…”

Impact of Mobile Phone (Smart Phone) on Secondary Level Students at Kotalipara Upazila, Gopalganj, Bangladesh

“…The authors highlighted the importance of understanding students' attachment to mobile devices and its implications for educational settings. In a scoping review by Ly (2016), the use of mobile phones to promote physical activity among post-secondary students was examined. While some interventions, such as text message reminders, showed promise in increasing physical activity levels, the evidence was mixed, and further research was deemed necessary to elucidate the effectiveness of mobile-based health interventions.…”

Smartphone-Based Interventions for Physical Activity Promotion: Scoping Review of the Evidence Over the Last 10 Years

“…There are four recent scoping reviews, which attempted to address these gaps [31][32][33][34]. Lee et al [34] aimed to identify the efficacy and effectiveness of mHealth PA interventions in adolescents; Aromatario et al [33] investigated how researchers conducting studies with mHealth PA and diet apps as a main component assess the app conditions ofeffectiveness across age groups; McCallum et al [32] explored the extent to which evaluations of mHealth PA apps and wearables affect the effectiveness, engagement, and acceptability of these apps, and Ly [31] reviewed the literature with the aim of presenting an account of the current knowledge on the use of mHealth interventions to enhance PA levels in young adults.…”

“…Lee et al [ 34 ] aimed to identify the efficacy and effectiveness of mHealth PA interventions in adolescents; Aromatario et al [ 33 ] investigated how researchers conducting studies with mHealth PA and diet apps as a main component assess the app conditions of effectiveness across age groups; McCallum et al [ 32 ] explored the extent to which evaluations of mHealth PA apps and wearables affect the effectiveness , engagement , and acceptability of these apps, and Ly [ 31 ] reviewed the literature with the aim of presenting an account of the current knowledge on the use of mHealth interventions to enhance PA levels in young adults. These reviews included studies evaluating a range of different target populations with various states of health or ill health (without illness; chronic illness [ 33 ], including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ 34 ]; cancer and diabetes [ 32 ]; and acute illness [ 33 ]) while targeting either PA alone [ 31 ], diet alone [ 32 ], or a combination of the two [ 33 ]. Finally, yet importantly, almost all reviews (excluding Aromatario et al [ 33 ], who focused on mHealth app only) included studies with various modes of delivery of the intervention, such as smartphone apps, websites, SMS text message, tablets, and PDAs.…”