Among adults without chronic disease, apps and trackers may boost activity by 1,850 steps per day<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
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TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Interventions using apps or trackers seem to be effective in promoting physical activity, according to a review published online Dec. 21 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine<\/em>.<\/p>\n Liliana Laranjo, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Sydney, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review to identify randomized, controlled trials that assessed the impact of a mobile app or activity tracker among adults (18 to 65 years old) without chronic illness.<\/p>\n The researchers identified 35 studies, of which 28 were included in a meta-analysis (7,454 participants; 28 percent women), which showed a small-to-moderate positive effect on physical activity measures (standardized difference in means, 0.350), corresponding to 1,850 steps per day. In subgroup analyses and meta-regression, interventions including text messaging and personalization features were significantly more effective.<\/p>\n “Given the wide and increasing reach of smartphones, even modest improvements in physical activity can produce large effects at the population level,” the authors write. “Longer-duration studies with more diverse populations should explore long-term effectiveness and sustained engagement.”<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n