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Assessing the Pragmatic Nature of Mobile Health Interventions Promoting Physical Activity: Systematic Review and
Chad Stecher1, Bjorn Pfisterer2, Samantha M Harden3
1College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Mobile health (mHealth) apps can boost physical activity, but studies often lack real-world applicability. More pragmatic interventions show smaller effects, highlighting a need for better reporting and approaches for broader health impact.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Public Health Interventions
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Mobile health (mHealth) apps show promise for promoting physical activity.
- The real-world applicability and impact of study design on effect sizes remain understudied.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of mHealth physical activity interventions using RE-AIM and PRECIS-2 frameworks.
- Meta-regression examined associations between study characteristics and effect sizes.
Key Points:
- 22 studies (3555 participants) were analyzed, with low data reporting across RE-AIM dimensions (18%).
- Most studies were equally explanatory and pragmatic (PRECIS-2 score 2.93/5).
- More pragmatic studies were linked to smaller physical activity increases (Cohen d=0.29).
Conclusions:
- mHealth physical activity studies often lack pragmatic reporting and generalizability.
- Increased pragmatism in interventions correlates with reduced effect sizes.
- Future studies need comprehensive reporting on real-world applicability for maximal population health impact.
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