Effectiveness of Smartphone Based Physical Activity on Individuals' Health Outcomes

Background/Purpose:  Regular participation in physical activity (PA) leads to a number of health benefits. Thus, deducing methods by which to increase physically active behaviors is paramount to attenuate the poor health outcomes resulting from physical inactivity. Given the pervasive nature of technology, smartphones have been implicated as a manner by which PA behaviors can be stimulated. However, few reviews are available regarding the effectiveness of smartphone-based PA programs on improving individuals’ health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review literature regarding the effectiveness of smartphone-based PA programs on individuals’ health outcomes.

Method: Thirty studies were queried regarding smartphone-based PA programs from 2005 to 2013 using the search descriptors “smartphone”, “physical activity”, and “health” from multiple databases including Google Scholar, Academic Search Premier, PubMed, and ERIC. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria which stated the study needed to include the use of a smartphone/smartphone application for the enhancement of PA participation, mental health, or medical conditions. Studies incorporating within-subject design were also included. Descriptive analysis of the variables of interest (e.g., health outcomes, PA participation) was conducted.

Analysis/Results:  Eleven studies reported the use of a PA intervention which was prefaced around the use of a smartphone/smartphone application produced improved PA participation/health outcomes. Three studies indicated smartphone PA interventions increased PA levels, while three additional studies found the use of SMS texts was beneficial to exercise adherence in hospital/cardiac rehabilitation patients as well as clients at a health promotion center. Regarding the use of smartphone-based PA to aid weight loss, two studies observed greater weight loss in PA interventions delivered via smartphone than by traditional methods. Furthermore, smartphone-based PA programs improved blood glucose levels of diabetics over that of standard care in one study while patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experienced enhanced quality of life in another study. As for psychological effects, one study found positive results for a smartphone-based program for relaxation. Finally, of the studies not achieving positive results, one study showed no improvement in quality of life or health of diabetics whereas another study found no change in depression among individuals with multiple sclerosis when the intervention was delivered via smartphone.  

Conclusions: The majority of current literature suggests smartphone-based PA can aid in enhancing PA participation, mental health, and medical conditions. Practical implications and directions for future studies will be provided.