The Effect of Wearable and Smartphone Applications on Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Cardiovascular Health Outcomes in Overweight/Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Advances in the device and smartphone technology have resulted in a convenient option for providing physical activity strategies; this is especially important during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of wearable and smartphone-based interventions to promote physical activity and improve quality of life and cardiovascular health outcomes among overweight/obese adults. We searched relevant databases up to 18 November 2021 for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials lasting 4 or more weeks that investigated the impacts of wearables and smartphone applications on physical activity, quality of life and health outcomes. Twenty-six studies including 2373 participants were included. There was a significant pooled standard mean differences (SMD) for the comparison between intervention versus control in steps per day (SMD: 0.54; p = 0.0003), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (SMD: 0.47; p = 0.02), quality of life (SMD: 0.33; p = 0.0006), body weight (mean difference (MD), -1.61kg; p = 0.009), and BMI (MD, -0.59kg/m2; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate (all p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that wearable and smartphone-based interventions are effective strategies in promoting physical activity and can provide a direct contact line to health professionals.