Researchers reviewed 224 studies published between 1990 and 2013 that rated how effective using the Web, tapping smartphones, wearing personal devices like pedometers, and following computer software were in motivating adults to adopt heart healthy behaviors. And those 23 years of research showed these digital interventions do often make a difference.
“Both internet-based and mobile-based programs can help people become more physically active, eat better and achieve modest weight loss over 3-12 months,” concluded Dr. Ashkan Afshin, the lead study author from the University of Washington.
Those who signed up for online health programs and subscription services improved their diets, became more active, lost body weight and fat, cut their smoking habits, and even dried up their excessive alcohol use.
Those using smartphone apps and receiving text or voicemail messages, on the other hand, showed more success in getting physical and losing body weight and fat.
“Programs that have components such as goal-setting and self-monitoring and use multiple modes of communication with tailored messages tended to be more effective,” noted Dr. Afshin in his report. “We also found these programs were more effective if they included some interactions with healthcare providers.”
So yes, you still need to get some real face-time in with a personal trainer, nutritionist or physician - or an alcohol or tobacco counselor - to make real progress.
There’s still some question about how long people behave themselves, however. The researchers admitted that most of these studies lasted less than six months, so there’s no telling how sustainable these interventions are. Other studies have shown that Americans abandon their wearable fitness trackers after about six months, for example, and while one in 10 U.S. adults still own some form of activity tracker, half of them no longer use it.
And these studies mostly tracked healthy people in high income countries. “We need to evaluate their long-term value, effectiveness in different populations (such as the elderly and people from developing countries) and how different strategies may increase adherence to the programs,” Afshin noted.
Still, the evidence suggests these digital programs can be a big step in changing people’s lives for the better.
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