Effectiveness of M-Health in Improving Physical Activity: An Indian Perspective

Vikas Arora; Shashank Shekher  Mishra; Jagannath  Sahoo; Mansi  Gupta; Ashish  Joshi; Komal  Bajaj; Vibha  Joshi; Nitin  Joshi

doi:10.55489/njcm.150120243345

Authors

Vikas Arora School of Pharmaceutical and Population Health Informatics, DIT University, Dehradun, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2435-8739
Shashank Shekher Mishra School of Pharmaceutical and Population Health Informatics, DIT University, Dehradun, India
Jagannath Sahoo SPP School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, India
Mansi Gupta Foundation of Healthcare Technologies Society, New Delhi, India
Ashish Joshi Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, United State https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5376-9839
Komal Bajaj Sainath Hospital and Research Center, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Vibha Joshi School of Public Health (SPH), AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Nitin Joshi School of Public Health (SPH), AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.150120243345

Keywords:

mhealth, accelerometer, physical activity, Smart Phone, NCDs, Remote Monitoring

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to provide an articulated body of literature on assessment and consultative exercises of m-health advances in physical activity from an Indian perspective.

Settings and Design: Scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework (2005) and thereafter consultative exercises were performed.

Subjects and methods: We searched the electronic databases and available grey literature from last 10 years. PRISMA flowchart for the study selection process was used to guide reporting. Data extraction included information on study design, authors, year of study, location and key findings on assessment of m-health advances in physical activity from an Indian context. Data were compiled and summarized narratively.

Results: Total 9 studies were selected for the final review out of 24 review articles searched. Scoping review revealed that six studies measuring physical activity with an accelerometer or pedometer and three studies used Smartphone applications for physical activity promotion. Actigraph Accelerometer, was the most popular tool and pedometer was considered as feasible and effective tool for monitoring physical activity. Stakeholder consultation exercises have indicated that mobile health apps play a valuable role in enhancing accessibility to physical activity resources, promoting behavior modification, and fostering continued user engagement. However, there is a consensus among stakeholders that these apps would be even more beneficial if they provided users with constructive feedback and personalized recommendations.

Conclusion: This review highlights how mobile health interventions promote physical activity. However, limited evidence calls for further research in the Indian context.

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