A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
The Effectiveness of Physical Activity-Promoting Web- and Mobile-Based Distance Weight Loss Interventions on Body Composition in Rehabilitation Settings : Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis (2022)
Lahtio, H., Rintala, A., Immonen, J., & Sjögren, T. (2022). The Effectiveness of Physical Activity-Promoting Web- and Mobile-Based Distance Weight Loss Interventions on Body Composition in Rehabilitation Settings : Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(3), Article e25906. https://doi.org/10.2196/25906
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Lahtio, Heli; Rintala, Aki; Immonen, Jaakko; Sjögren, Tuulikki
Journal or series: Journal of Medical Internet Research
ISSN: 1439-4456
eISSN: 1438-8871
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 24/03/2022
Volume: 24
Issue number: 3
Article number: e25906
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Publication country: Germany
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/25906
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/81082
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are major problems worldwide, and they lead to an increased risk for several diseases. The use of technology in the treatment of obesity is promising, but in the existing literature, there is considerable uncertainty regarding its efficacy. In this review, we included web- and mobile-based weight loss interventions that were implemented remotely in rehabilitation settings.
Objective:
The aim of this systematic review is to study the effectiveness of physical activity-promoting web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions in rehabilitation settings on body composition in comparison with control groups that did not use technology.
Methods:
Studies were searched from 9 databases. The inclusion criteria were as follows: population: age 18-65 years; intervention: physical activity-promoting web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions; comparison: control groups without the use of technology; outcome: changes in BMI, waist circumference, or body fat percentage; study design: randomized controlled trial. The quality of the studies was assessed by 2 researchers. Meta-analysis was performed, and we also conducted a meta-regression analysis to evaluate the factors associated with the changes in body composition outcomes if statistical heterogeneity was observed.
Results:
The meta-analysis included 30 studies. The mean quality of the studies was 7 of 13 (SD 1.9; range 3-10). A statistically significant difference was observed in BMI (mean difference [MD] 0.83, 95% CI 0.51-1.15 kg/m2; P<.001), waist circumference (MD 2.45, 95% CI 1.83-3.07 cm; P<.001), and body fat percentage (MD 1.07%, 95% CI 0.74%-1.41%; P<.001) in favor of the weight loss groups using web- or mobile-based interventions. Meta-regression analyses found an association between personal feedback and BMI (P=.04), but other factors did not play a role in explaining statistical heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
Web- and mobile-based distance weight loss interventions significantly reduced BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Future studies should focus on the comparability of the intervention content. Future studies are needed to better understand weight loss and identify which components are essential in achieving it.
Trial Registration:
PROSPERO CRD42016035831; https://tinyurl.com/7c93tvd4
Keywords: obesity; overweight; weight control; body mass index; fat percentage; weight loss; rehabilitation; physical training; physical activity; health effects; health promotion; technology; online services; mobile services; global problems
Free keywords: technology; weight loss; rehabilitation; overweight; obesity; body mass index; waist circumference; body fat percentage; mobile phone
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2022
JUFO rating: 2
