Effect of Physical Exercise Programs Based on Mobile Health and Ecological Momentary Assessment on the Physical and Mental Health, Cognitive Functions, and Social Environment of Adults in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Although there is strong evidence of the positive effects of physical exercise on health, adherence to face-to-face exercise programs in the adult population is low, identifying several barriers that hinder their practice. There is research that demonstrates the viability of physical exercise programs with the use of Mobile Health in Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) mode, which contributes to overcoming many reported barriers. To synthesize the methodological characteristics and health effects of physical exercise programs based on mobile health in EMA modality in adults in developing countries. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to guidelines established by the PRISMA statement in APA PsycArticles and CINAHL databases by EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles published between 2008 and March 2024. Results: Telephone counseling on clinical–behavioral factors is believed to reduce morbidity and mortality in developed countries, but this aspect is not explored in developing countries. We included nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 4394 male and female participants aged 18 to 60 years. The interventions were mainly carried out by text messages, lasting between 20 to 80 min per session, 3 to 5 days per week, and most were carried out over 12 months. The interventions on the variables of physical activity, nutrition, and medical assessments showed significant effects, and variables such as quality of life and anthropometric measurements were not significant in most studies. Conclusions: This systematic review included studies from different developing countries, the most common diseases being diabetes, overweight, obesity, and hypertension. All the studies used mobile devices as the technology, finding a profile of the adults studied, as well as the characteristics of exercise programs based on mobile health in EMA modality.

Keywords

• mobile health
• momentary ecological assessment
• physical exercise
• systematic review