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Physical activity text messaging interventions in adults: a systematic review
Susan Weber Buchholz1, JoEllen Wilbur, Diana Ingram
1Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL 60612-3832, USA. Susan_Buchholz@rush.edu
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
|June 11, 2013
Summary
Text messaging interventions show promise for promoting physical activity in adults. While studies have small sample sizes, they demonstrate positive effects, highlighting the need for further research in mobile health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Behavior
- Mobile Health
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a major global health risk.
- Mobile technology offers innovative approaches to promote physical activity.
- Text messaging is an emerging international method for health behavior motivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review scientific literature on text messaging interventions for adult physical activity.
- To synthesize findings from existing studies on this topic.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of English-language studies on adult physical activity text messaging interventions.
- Searched multiple databases up to October 1, 2011.
- Data extracted by two independent reviewers using a standardized tool.
Main Results:
- Eleven publications from 10 studies across seven countries were included.
- Studies predominantly featured young to middle-aged women, often using randomized controlled trials.
- Interventions varied; median effect size was 0.50, though message specificity was limited.
Conclusions:
- Text messaging for physical activity promotion is under-researched with small sample sizes.
- Existing literature shows heterogeneous but positive effect sizes.
- Further research is crucial to advance mobile technology in physical activity promotion.
