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Cited by 978Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsBehavioral Health and InterventionsDigital Mental Health Interventions

Health behavior models in the age of mobile interventions: are our theories up to the task?

Open access
Riley, William T, Rivera, Daniel E, Atienza, Audie A, Nilsen, Wendy, Allison, Susannah M, Mermelstein, Robin·2011·Translational Behavioral Medicine
DOI 10.1007/s13142-011-0021-7PMC PMC3142960
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Abstract

Mobile technologies are being used to deliver health behavior interventions. The study aims to determine how health behavior theories are applied to mobile interventions. This is a review of the theoretical basis and interactivity of mobile health behavior interventions. Many of the mobile health behavior interventions reviewed were predominately one way (i.e., mostly data input or informational output), but some have leveraged mobile technologies to provide just-in-time, interactive, and adaptive interventions. Most smoking and weight loss studies reported a theoretical basis for the mobile intervention, but most of the adherence and disease management studies did not. Mobile health behavior intervention development could benefit from greater application of health behavior theories. Current theories, however, appear inadequate to inform mobile intervention development as these interventions become more interactive and adaptive. Dynamic feedback system theories of health behavior can be developed utilizing longitudinal data from mobile devices and control systems engineering models.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s13142-011-0021-7

Cites

127 of 127 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 84 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingnone given

    Most of the reviewed smoking and weight loss studies reported a theoretical basis for their mobile intervention.

    “Most smoking and weight loss studies reported a theoretical basis for the mobile intervention”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Many of the mobile health behavior interventions examined in this review were mainly one-way, consisting mostly of data input or informational output.

    “Many of the mobile health behavior interventions reviewed were predominately one way (i.e., mostly data input or informational output)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Some of the reviewed mobile health behavior interventions used mobile technologies to deliver just-in-time, interactive, and adaptive interventions.

    “but some have leveraged mobile technologies to provide just-in-time, interactive, and adaptive interventions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Most of the reviewed adherence and disease management studies did not report a theoretical basis for their mobile intervention.

    “but most of the adherence and disease management studies did not.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Seven of the twelve weight loss, diet, and physical activity studies named a theoretical basis for their mobile intervention.

    “Of the 12 studies summarized in Table 2, seven specified a theoretical basis for the mobile weight loss, diet, or physical activity intervention developed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 38
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 27

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The seven smoking cessation studies came from three research groups and delivered interventions via mobile phone text messaging (SMS).

    “the seven studies identified are from three research groups who developed and evaluated interventions delivered via mobile phone text messaging (aka short messaging service (SMS)).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Social cognitive theory was the main theoretical basis for the weight loss, diet, and physical activity interventions, though one study cited the theory of planned behavior.

    “Consistent with the more general weight loss intervention literature, Social Cognitive Theory was the primary theoretical basis for these interventions although the Theory of Planned Behavior was cited by one study [38].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [38] Hurling, R., Catt, M., De Boni, M., et al. (2007). Using Internet and mobile phone technology to deliver an automated physical activity program: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 9, e7. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In a randomized evaluation, overweight adults in a mobile phone weight loss program lost significantly more weight (4.5 vs. 1.1 kg) and had a greater reduction in waist circumference (6.3 vs. 2.4 cm) after 1 year compared with controls.

    “Compared to controls, those in the mobile phone intervention lost significantly more weight (4.5 vs. 1.1 kg) and had a greater reduction in waist circumference (6.3 vs. 2.4 cm) after 1 year in the program.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Haapala, I., Barengo, N. C., Biggs, S., Surakka, L., & Manninen, P. (2009). Weight loss by mobile phone: A 1-year effectiveness study. Public Health Nutrition, 12, 2382–2391. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    All seven smoking cessation interventions also adjusted just-in-time when users sent text requests for help, which generated immediate replies with tips and strategies.

    “All of these interventions also adjusted just-in-time via text message requests from users for assistance which generated immediate return text messages with tips and strategies to manage urges or withdrawal.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The smoking cessation interventions produced quit rates between 8% and 53%, with follow-up lasting from 4 weeks to 12 months.

    “Quit rates from the interventions evaluated in these studies range from 8% [29] to 53% [26] with a follow-up period ranging from 4 weeks to 12 months.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [29] Free, C., Whittaker, R., Knight, R., Abramsky, T., Rodgers, A., & Roberts, G. (2009). Txt2stop: A pilot randomized controlled trial of mobile phone-based smoking cessation support. Tobacco Control, 18, 88–91. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [26] Whittaker, R., Maddison, R., McRobbie, H., et al. (2008). A multimedia mobile phone-based youth smoking cessation intervention: Findings from content development and piloting studies. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 10, e49. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the ten treatment adherence studies, eight aimed at medical appointment adherence and two at medication adherence, specifically for HIV treatment.

    “Of these, eight targeted medical appointment adherence and two addressed medication adherence, specifically HIV treatment adherence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In a 4-month randomized trial, a mobile phone text messaging weight loss program produced modest weight loss (2.88 kg) that was significantly greater than a print-only condition.

    “Although weight loss in the text messaging condition was modest over 4 months (2.88 kg), it was significantly greater than in the print only condition.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] Patrick, K., Raab, F., Adams, M. A., et al. (2009). A text message-based intervention for weight loss: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 11, e1. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Only two appointment adherence studies had randomized controls; the rest used historical or nonrandomized controls.

    “It is important to note, however, that only two studies used randomized controls [58, 59]; the others used historical or nonrandomized controls.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [58] Leong, K. C., Leong, K. W., Mastura, I., et al. (2006). The use of text messaging to improve attendance in primary care: A randomized controlled trial. Family Practice, 23, 699–705. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [59] Chen, Z. W., Fang, L. Z., Chen, L. Y., & Dai, H. L. (2008). Comparison of an SMS text messaging and phone reminder to improve attendance at a health promotion center: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Zhejiang University. Science B, 9, 34–38. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Video input has been primarily used for telemedicine, but health behavior researchers have begun to use cameras for dietary assessment.

    “Although video input has been primarily used for telemedicine purposes [78, 79], health behavior researchers have begun to use cameras for dietary assessment [48].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [78] Chung, P., Yu, T., & Scheinfeld, N. (2007). Using cellphones for teledermatology, a preliminary study. Dermatology Online Journal, 13, 2. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [79] Tang, F. H., Law, M. Y., Lee, A. C., & Chan, L. W. (2004). A mobile phone integrated health care delivery system for medical images. Journal of Digital Imaging, 17, 217–225. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [48] Boushey, C. J., Kerr, D. A., Wright, J., Lutes, K. D., Ebert, D. S., & Delp, E. J. (2009). Use of technology in children’s dietary assessment. Euro J Clin Nutr., 63, S50–S57. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Researchers have begun to use video input via camera features on mobile phones.

    “In addition to voice, text, and data inputs, researchers have begun to use video input via camera features on these phones.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Outcomes from the mobile disease management studies were generally positive and statistically significant.

    “Outcomes from the mobile disease management studies were generally positive and statistically significant.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Much of the mobile health behavior interventions to date have focused on transmitting data from glucometers and spirometers.

    “Much of the mobile health behavior interventions to date have focused on transmitting data from glucometers and spirometers”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    A few studies have used other output functions such as audio or video.

    “A few studies have used other output functions such as audio (e.g., [35]) or video (e.g. [26])”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [35] Liu, W. T., Wang, C. H., Lin, H. C., et al. (2008). Efficacy of a cell phone-based exercise programme for COPD. The European Respiratory Journal, 32, 651–659. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [26] Whittaker, R., Maddison, R., McRobbie, H., et al. (2008). A multimedia mobile phone-based youth smoking cessation intervention: Findings from content development and piloting studies. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 10, e49. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    Most of the mobile interventions described in this review used text messaging (SMS) functionality.

    “Most of the mobile interventions described in this review used text messaging (aka SMS) functionality of mobile phones.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Most output delivery to date has been via text messaging.

    “As with input, most of the output delivery to date has been via text messaging.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Following input, some applications provided tailored intervention responses, but others failed to deliver even a confirmation message.

    “Following input, some applications provided tailored intervention responses, but others failed to deliver even a confirmation message”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Most smoking and weight loss mobile interventions provided some form of just-in-time response based on a prior input, but the frequency or intensity of interactivity varied substantially.

    “Most of the smoking and weight loss mobile interventions provided some form of “just-in-time” response based on a prior input, but the frequency or intensity of interactivity varied substantially among these interventions”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [23] Obermayer, J. L., Riley, W. T., Asif, O., & Jean-Mary, J. (2004). College smoking-cessation using cell phone text messaging. J Amer Coll Health, 53, 71–78. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Brendryen, H., & Kraft, P. (2008). Happy Ending: A randomized controlled trial of a digital multi-media smoking cessation intervention. Addiction, 103, 478–484. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [34] Burke, L. E., Conroy, M. B., Sereika, S. M., et al. (2011). The effect of electronic self-monitoring on weight loss and dietary intake: A randomized behavioral weight loss trial. Obesity, 19, 338–344. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [43] Patrick, K., Raab, F., Adams, M. A., et al. (2009). A text message-based intervention for weight loss: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 11, e1. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In this review, only a few studies adjusted the timing of interventions, usually during the transition from behavior change to maintenance, but these adjustments were set a priori across all participants and were not dynamically determined at the individual level.

    “In this review, only a few studies adjusted the timing of the interventions, usually during the transition from behavior change to maintenance (e.g., [23, 40]), but these timing adjustments were set a priori across all participants and were not dynamically determined at the individual level.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [23] Obermayer, J. L., Riley, W. T., Asif, O., & Jean-Mary, J. (2004). College smoking-cessation using cell phone text messaging. J Amer Coll Health, 53, 71–78. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [40] Haapala, I., Barengo, N. C., Biggs, S., Surakka, L., & Manninen, P. (2009). Weight loss by mobile phone: A 1-year effectiveness study. Public Health Nutrition, 12, 2382–2391. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    None of the adherence interventions made just-in-time adjustments; most were single prompt appointment reminders with no longitudinal basis for adjustment; none obtained the input necessary to make treatment adjustments.

    “None of the adherence interventions made just-in-time adjustments, but most of these interventions were single prompt appointment reminders with no longitudinal basis for adjustment, and none obtained the input necessary to make treatment adjustments.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    These theories and models have been used with considerable success to tailor health behavior interventions based on pre-intervention factors, but typically have not been used to adapt the intervention to the individual over the course of the intervention.

    “these theories and models have been used with considerable success to tailor health behavior interventions based on pre-intervention factors, but typically have not been used to adapt the intervention to the individual over the course of the intervention [88, 89].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [88] Neville, L. M., O'Hara, B., & Milat, A. J. (2009). Computer-tailored dietary behaviour change interventions: A systematic review. Health Education Research, 24, 699–720. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [89] Lustria, M. L., Cortese, J., Noar, S. M., & Glueckauf, R. L. (2009). Computer-tailored health interventions delivered over the Web: Review and analysis of key components. Patient Education and Counseling, 74, 156–173. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Disease management and weight loss mobile health interventions have relied predominately on input, while adherence and smoking cessation interventions have relied predominately on output.

    “Disease management and weight loss mobile health interventions have relied predominately on input while adherence and smoking cessation mobile health interventions have relied predominately on output.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The disease management interventions typically provided just-in-time intervention adjustments, but most relied on manual adjustments by a health care professional.

    “The disease management interventions also typically provided just-in-time intervention adjustments, but most relied on manual adjustments by a health care professional to do so.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    To date, only a subset of mobile health behavior interventions have been theory-based.

    “To date, only a subset of mobile health behavior interventions have been theory-based”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Most theories of health behavior change to date have focused on mean levels of predictive variables, but with newer data technologies, models can be developed that focus on lability or stability of key controlling factors.

    “Most theories of health behavior change to date have focused on mean levels of predictive variables, but with the advent of newer data technologies, we can develop models that focus on lability or stability of key controlling factors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Web-based health behavior interventions have proliferated and appear to be an efficacious and cost-effective way to deliver health behavior interventions.

    “web-based health behavior interventions have proliferated in recent years and appear to be an efficacious method for delivering health behavior interventions in a cost-effective manner [1–3].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [1] Webb, T. L., Joseph, J., Yardley, L., & Michie, S. (2010). Using the Internet to promote health behavior change: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of theoretical basis, use of behavior change techniques, and mode of delivery on efficacy. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 12, e4. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] Tate, D. F., Finkelstein, E. A., Khavjou, O., & Gustafson, A. (2009). Cost effectiveness of Internet interventions: Review and recommendations. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 38, 40–45. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [3] Norman, G. J., Zabinski, M. F., Adams, M. A., Rosenberg, D. E., Yaroch, A. L., & Atienza, A. A. (2007). A review of eHealth interventions for physical activity and dietary behavior change. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 33, 336–345. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A Cochrane review of randomized mobile phone-based smoking cessation interventions found a significant short-term increase in self-reported quitting (relative risk 2.18; 95% CI 1.80-2.65) but considerable heterogeneity and insufficient evidence for long-term effects.

    “A recent Cochrane review of randomized studies of mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation, which included all of the randomized controlled trials (RCT) reviewed here, found a significant short-term increase in self-reported quitting (relative risk= 2.18; 95% confidence interval 1.80 to 2.65) but considerable heterogeneity and lack of sufficient evidence for long-term effects [32].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] Whittaker, R., Borland, R., Bullen, C., Lin, R. B., McRobbie, H., & Rodgers, A. (2009). Mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4, CD006611.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mobile phone use has been widely adopted across socioeconomic and demographic groups and appears greater among populations most in need of health behavior interventions.

    “mobile phone use has been widely adopted across socioeconomic and demographic groups and appears greater among those populations most in need of these interventions [6, 7].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [6] Pew Internet &American Life Project. (2010). http://www.pewInternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2010/PIP_Mobile_Access_2010.pdf

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [7] Leena, K., Tomi, L., & Arja, R. (2005). Intensity of mobile phone use and health compromising behaviours: How is information and communication technology connected to health-related lifestyle in adolescence? Journal of Adolescence, 28, 35–47. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Lanzola and colleagues proposed a multi-tier model: lower tiers use automated treatment algorithms for disease management, while higher tiers involve a healthcare provider only when lower-tier interventions fail.

    “Lanzola and colleagues have proposed a multi-tier intervention model in which lower-tier disease management interventions are provided via automated treatment algorithms and higher tier interventions involving the healthcare provider occur only if the lower-tier interventions are ineffective [68].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [68] Lanzola, G., Capozzi, D., D’Annunzio, G., Ferrari, P., Bellazzi, R., & Larizza, C. (2007). Going mobile with a multi-access service for the management of diabetes patients. J Diabetes Sci Technol., 1, 730–737. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Manually adjusted disease management interventions fit telemedicine models but scale poorly because providers must review data and deliver the interventions.

    “These manually adjusted interventions are consistent with telemedicine models, but they have limited scalability due to the provider burden required to review and deliver these interventions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The ability of mobile disease management programs to assess patient status frequently and adjust treatment remotely appears to improve treatment outcomes and to serve as a basis for more comprehensive and automated mobile disease management interventions.

    “Therefore, the ability of mobile disease management programs to assess patient status frequently and adjust treatment remotely appears to improve treatment outcomes and to serve as a basis for more comprehensive and automated mobile disease management interventions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In a small randomized controlled trial, Strandbygaard et al. found that percent adherence based on objective inhaler dose counts decreased in the control condition (84.2% to 70.1%) but increased in the intervention condition (77.9% to 81.5%) over 12 weeks.

    “Strandbygaard et al. [77] found that the percent adherence based on objective inhaler dose counts decreased in the control condition (84.2% to 70.1%) but increased in the intervention condition (77.9% to 81.5%) over the 12-week study period.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [77] Strandbygaard, U., Thomsen, S. F., & Backer, V. (2010). A daily SMS reminder increases adherence to asthma treatment: A three-month follow-up study. Respiratory Medicine, 104, 166–171. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Device-resident or wireless Internet applications on smartphones provide a rich array of possible data and display outputs that could be used to deliver health behavior interventions.

    “device-resident or wireless Internet applications on smartphones provide a rich array of possible data and display outputs (e.g., progress charts, animation, videos, games) that could be used to deliver health behavior interventions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Automatic transmission of testing data eliminates data entry burden but does not eliminate the patient's responsibility to perform regular testing.

    “Although the automatic transmission of testing data eliminates data entry burden, it does not eliminate the responsibility of the patient to perform regular testing”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    An expanding variety of sensor technologies can be used to assess physiological states, movement, location, and other variables using mobile phones.

    “an expanding variety of sensor technologies can be used to assess physiological states, movement, location, and other variables using mobile phones.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The application of feedback control systems to current health behavior theory concepts provides potential theoretical models that are amenable to the time-intensive, interactive nature of mobile health behavior interventions and more consistent with putative neurobiological and environmental processes.

    “Therefore, the application of feedback control systems to current health behavior theory concepts provides not only potential theoretical models that are amenable to the time-intensive, interactive nature of mobile health behavior interventions but also theoretical models that are more consistent with the putative neurobiological and environmental processes that regulate these behaviors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Boorsboom and colleagues have argued that between-person theories do not imply, test, or support causal accounts valid at the individual level.

    “Boorsboom and colleagues have argued that between-person theories do not imply, test, or support causal accounts valid at the individual level [87].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [87] Boorsboom, D., Mellenbergh, G. J., & van Heerden, J. (2003). The theoretical status of latent variables. Psychological Review, 110, 202–219. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This work could serve as a basis for developing mobile technologies for diabetes management that use advanced closed-loop control system models to automate and better regulate blood glucose for insulin-dependent patients.

    “This work could serve as a basis for developing mobile technologies for diabetes management that take advantage of advanced closed-loop control system models to automate and better regulate blood glucose for insulin-dependent patients.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Text messaging reminders to attend appointments, take medications, exercise, etc. appear relatively straightforward and are consistent with the cue to action component of many health behavior theories.

    “Text messaging reminders to attend appointments, take medications, exercise, etc. appear relatively straightforward and are consistent with the “cue to action” component of many health behavior theories”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Adoption of dynamical system models for mobile health behavior interventions does not require discarding current health behavior theories, but the predominately static, linear nature of these theories appears to be a poor fit with the intra-individual dynamics of future mobile technology interventions.

    “Adoption of dynamical system models for mobile health behavior interventions does not require that our current health behavior theories and models be discarded, but the predominately static, linear nature of these theories appears to be a poor fit with the intra-individual dynamics of future mobile technology interventions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The history of health behavior theories cautions against assuming that behavior change is straightforward or that innovative modes of delivery alone are sufficient to produce behavior change.

    “the history of health behavior theories cautions us about assuming that behavior change is straightforward or that innovative modes of delivery alone are sufficient to produce behavior change.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    The potential of mobile technologies to generate intensive longitudinal data sets reflecting a smoker's behavior over time and in different settings is important for building a dynamical system model.

    “The potential of mobile technologies to generate the intensive longitudinal data sets reflecting the behavior of a smoker over time and observed in different settings and contexts is important for building a dynamical system model such as the individual smoking behavior model illustrated above.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Optimal feedback control systems have been applied to basic sensorimotor control and to reinforcement learning models.

    “Optimal feedback control systems have been applied to basic sensorimotor control [97] and to reinforcement learning models [98].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [97] Todorov, E. (2004). Optimality principles in sensorimotor control. Nature Neuroscience, 7, 907–915. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [98] Lewis, F. L., & Vamvoudakis, K. G. (2010). Reinforcement learning for partially observable dynamic processes: Adaptive dynamic programming using measured output data. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics. Part B, Cybernetics, 41, 14–25. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dunton and Atienza have noted that increasing availability of time-intensive information allows for intra-individual tailoring of interventions but that current health behavior theories are based on delineating between-person, not within-person, differences.

    “Dunton and Atienza have noted that the increasing availability of time-intensive information (i.e., longitudinal data obtained at an intensive frequency) allows for the intra-individual tailoring of interventions but that current health behavior theories are based on delineating between, not within-person differences [86].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [86] Dunton and Atienza. (2009). The need for time-intensive information in healthful eating and physical activity research: A timely topic. JADA, 109(1), 30–35. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Feedback control systems have the potential to reshape health behavior theories and improve understanding of human behavior.

    “these feedback control systems have the potential to reshape health behavior theories and improve our understanding of human behavior.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Standard treatment algorithms can be used to automate many treatment adjustments with complete treatment fidelity, greatly improving scalability and reducing professional time and costs.

    “standard treatment algorithms can be used to automate, with 100% treatment fidelity, many of these treatment adjustments, greatly improving scalability, and reducing professional time and costs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Standard treatment algorithms can automate many treatment adjustments with complete treatment fidelity.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Current health behavior theories do not preclude the possibility that some conceptual components change over time, and some concepts such as reciprocal determinism in Social Cognitive Theory are explicitly dynamic.

    “These theories do not preclude the possibility that some conceptual components change over time, and some concepts such as reciprocal determinism in Social Cognitive Theory are explicitly dynamic in nature [14].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] Bandura, A. (2001). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 1–26. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Some have argued that these theories are inadequate even for traditional interventions.

    “Some have argued that these theories are inadequate even for traditional interventions [17]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] Ogden, J. (2003). Some problems with social cognition models: A pragmatic and conceptual analysis. Health Psychology, 22, 424–428. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lack of reported theoretical basis in treatment adherence and disease management may be the result of reliance on evidence-based clinical guidelines or on the simplicity of the intervention delivered.

    “but this may be the result of reliance on evidence based clinical guidelines (e.g., diabetes management) or on the simplicity of the intervention delivered (e.g., appointment reminders).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    As a result, the review did not report on recent mobile intervention development from proof-of-concept, usability/feasibility, or ongoing research reports.

    “As a result, we did not report on recent mobile intervention development from proof-of-concept (e.g., [82]), usability/feasibility (e.g., [83]), or ongoing research reports (e.g., [84])”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [82] Skevofilakas, M., Mougiakakou, S. G., Zarkogianni, K., et al. (2007). A communication and information technology infrastructure for real-time monitoring and management of type 1 diabetes patients. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc., 2007, 3685–3686.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [83] Holtz, B., & Whitten, P. (2009). Managing asthma with mobile phones: A feasibility study. Telemed J E Health., 15, 907–909. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [84] Ryan, D., Pinnock, H., Lee, A. J., et al. (2009). The CYMPLA trial. Mobile phone-based structured intervention to achieve asthma control in patients with uncontrolled persistent asthma: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 18, 343–345. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    To ensure that the mobile interventions reviewed were mature enough for actual use, the review was limited to studies that subjected these interventions to some form of clinical outcome assessment.

    “To insure that the mobile interventions reviewed were mature enough for actual use, we limited our review to studies that subjected these interventions to some form of clinical outcome assessment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The use of these control technologies in a smoking cessation intervention parallels the closed-loop control system for diabetes management.

    “The use of these control technologies in a smoking cessation intervention as shown in Fig. 1 parallels the closed-loop control system for diabetes management described previously.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationnone given

    Novel dynamic health behavior theories and their application to mobile health behavior interventions will require empirical validation.

    “Novel dynamic health behavior theories and their application to health behavior interventions via mobile technologies will require empirical validation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The optimization process leads to specific intervention decisions for providing behavioral strategies and/or medication prompts to replace smoking as a means of reducing smoking urge.

    “The optimization process leads to specific intervention decisions (u2(t)) for providing behavioral strategies and/or medication prompts to replace smoking as a means of reducing smoking urge.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Health behavior interventions delivered via mobile technologies offer both the impetus to transform current theories into more dynamic feedback control models and the potential to provide intensive longitudinal data necessary to test and improve theoretical intervention models.

    “Health behavior interventions delivered via mobile technologies offer not only the impetus to transform our current theories into more dynamic feedback control models but also the potential to provide the intensive longitudinal data necessary to test and improve our theoretical intervention models.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Other methodological considerations for adaptive interactive technologies applied to eHealth may be appropriate to consider for mHealth interventions.

    “Other methodological considerations for adaptive interactive technologies applied to eHealth also may be appropriate to consider for mHealth interventions [107, 108].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [107] O’Grady, L., Witteman, H., Bender, J. L., Urowitz, S., Wiljer, D., & Jaded, A. R. (2009). Measuring the impact of a moving target: Towards a dynamic framework for evaluating collaborative adaptive interactive technologies. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 11, e20. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [108] Resnicow, K., Strecher, V., Couper, M., et al. (2010). Methodologic and design issues in patient-centered e-health research. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 38, 98–102. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The ability to provide frequent, time-intensive interventions in the context of the behavior holds considerable promise but also poses many challenges to current health behavior theories and models.

    “The ability to provide frequent, time-intensive interventions in the context of the behavior holds considerable promise but also poses many challenges to our current health behavior theories and models.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Adaptive treatment methodologies have been applied to interventions that adjust over weeks or months, not hours or days, but these methodologies can be applied to mobile technology interventions.

    “Adaptive treatment methodologies has been applied to interventions that adjust over the course of weeks or months, not hours or days, but these methodologies can be applied to mobile technology interventions [106].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [106] Collins, L. M., Murphy, S. A., & Bierman, K. L. (2004). A conceptual framework for adaptive preventive interventions. Prevention Science, 5, 185–196. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    A theory-driven iterative model of mobile intervention development holds promise for improving mobile health behavior interventions and theoretical and empirical understanding of health behavior change.

    “a theory-driven iterative model of mobile intervention development holds promise for improving not only our mobile health behavior interventions but also our theoretical and empirical understanding of health behavior change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These modeling techniques can be applied to reverse-engineer the functional relationship underlying the urge controller.

    “These modeling techniques also can be applied to reverse-engineer the functional relationship underlying the urge controller which reflects the actions of an individual smoker.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
59 of 59

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The absence of a reported theoretical basis in a study indicates that the intervention was not actually based on theory.

    “Most smoking and weight loss studies reported a theoretical basis for the mobile intervention, but most of the adherence and disease management studies did not.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Health behavior theories can improve the outcomes of mobile health behavior interventions.

    “Mobile health behavior intervention development could benefit from greater application of health behavior theories.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The reviewed studies are representative of mobile health behavior interventions in the four areas covered by the review.

    “Nearly all of the articles identified meeting these criteria fell into one of four major health behavior areas: smoking, weight loss (including diet and exercise interventions), treatment adherence (i.e., adherence to medical recommendations including both taking medication and attending appointments), and chronic disease management.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Bluetooth-enabled glucometers eliminate the need for patients to manually enter data.

    “With the advent of Bluetooth-enabled glucometers, data entry burden is eliminated.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Text messages can be delivered simply and inexpensively across mobile phone operating platforms and to a large percentage of mobile phone users.

    “Text messages can be delivered simply and inexpensively across mobile phone operating platforms and to a large percentage of mobile phone users given the ubiquitous nature of this feature even on “less smart” mobile phones.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Standard treatment algorithms can automate many treatment adjustments with complete treatment fidelity.

    “standard treatment algorithms can be used to automate, with 100% treatment fidelity, many of these treatment adjustments”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In the 1950s, mobile neighborhood tuberculosis screenings did not substantially increase screenings despite added salience and convenience.

    “In the 1950s, mobile neighborhood tuberculosis screenings were innovative, but the added salience and convenience did not substantially increase screenings.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Perceived threat, perceived benefit, and perceived barriers contributed to whether a person obtained tuberculosis screenings.

    “the perceived threat (severity and susceptibility) of tuberculosis, the perceived benefit of being screened, and the perceived barriers to getting screened contributed to a person obtaining these screenings.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Control systems engineering principles and procedures are mature and provide a robust computational framework for modeling, simulation, and systematic decision making over time.

    “Control systems engineering principles and procedures are mature and provide a robust computational framework for modeling, simulation, and systematic decision making over time.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Feedback regulatory processes are central to neurobiology.

    “Feedback regulatory processes are core to neurobiology.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The brain regulates itself and other organs using feedback control processes.

    “Since the brain appears to regulate itself and other organs using feedback control processes”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Smoking urge can be modeled as an inventory built up by negative emotional and external stimuli and depleted by smoking and positive affect or intervention components.

    “Using a fluid analogy, smoking urge is accumulated as an inventory that is built up by an “inflow” of negative emotional stimuli (e.g., sadness, irritation) and external stimuli (e.g., presence of others smoking, drinking coffee) and depleted by an urge “outflow” resulting from smoking events and the salutary effects of positive affect and dosages of intervention components such as medications and”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The inherent dynamics of smoking behavior form a closed-loop feedback system.

    “The inherent dynamics of smoking behavior in Fig. 1 constitutes a closed-loop feedback system”
13 of 13

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Mobile technology interventions informed by strategies, such as health behavior theory, hold the potential for more comprehensive mechanisms of behavior change, fostering a health care approach that is both impactful and sustainable.

    “Furthermore, mobile technology interventions informed by strategies, such as health behavior theory, hold the potential for more comprehensive mechanisms of behavior change, fostering a health care approach that is both impactful and sustainable [27].”

    From Assessing the Effectiveness of Digital Health Behavior Strategies on Type 2 Diabetes Management: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as [27]

    The ‘Theoretical Basis for Mobile Health Behavior Interventions and New Directions’ section says that theory-guided mobile interventions should address behavior-change mechanisms more comprehensively and become more effective. The ‘Summary of Mobile Health Behavior Intervention Features’ also discusses potential scalability and cost savings, but the paper does not establish that this approach to health care is sustainable. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • A growing number of investigators have recognized that current theoretical models are inadequate to inform the development of BITs that can increasingly interact dynamically and adaptively with users.

    “However, a growing number of investigators have recognized that current theoretical models are inadequate to inform the development of BITs that can increasingly interact dynamically and adaptively with users (77).”

    From Behavioral Intervention Technologies: Evidence review and recommendations for future research in mental health (2013) · cites this paper as [77]

  • Behavioral theories have classically been how behavioral sciences describe how interventions, individuals, and context interact but are fraught with well-documented problems such as lack of falsification, lack of information about subtle dynamics, and being so abstract that they are difficult to apply in practice.

    “Behavioral theories have classically been how behavioral sciences describe how interventions, individuals, and context interact but these are fraught with well-documented problems such as lack of falsification, lack of information about subtle dynamics, and they are often so abstract that they are difficult to apply in practice [36, 37].”

    From Agile science: creating useful products for behavior change in the real world (2016) · cites this paper as [37]

  • Mobile phone-delivered interventions facilitate frequent engagement and allow users to apply promoted skills and behaviors in real time to real-life experiences.

    “Interventions delivered via mobile phones facilitate frequent engagement as users go about their daily lives [12,13] and afford users the opportunity to apply the skills and behaviors promoted by the intervention directly in real time to their real life experiences [14].”

    From Feasibility of "CopeSmart": A Telemental Health App for Adolescents (2015) · cites this paper as [13]

  • CBT is suitable for implementation in digital health interventions.

    “Moreover, and with regard to its structure, it is suitable for implementation in digital health interventions [37-40].”

    From Mobile Sensing and Support for People With Depression: A Pilot Trial in the Wild (2016) · cites this paper as [40]

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

4 of the 131 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Prue, D. M., Riley, A., Orlandi, M. A., & Jerome, A. (1990). Development of a computer-assisted smoking cessation program: A preliminary report. J Adv Med., 3, 131–139.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Riley, W. T., Rivera, D. E., Atienza, A. A., Nilsen, W., Allison, S. M., & Mermelstein, R.
Affiliations
  • National Institutes of Health (US)
  • Arizona State University (US)
  • University of Illinois Chicago (US)
Corresponding author
Riley, William T
ORCID
Venue
Translational Behavioral Medicine
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published
2011-02-24
Volume
1
Issue
1
Pages
53-71
ISSN
  • 1613-9860 (ISSN-L)
  • 1869-6716
DOI
10.1007/s13142-011-0021-7
PMC
PMC3142960
OpenAlex
W2086310388
Cited by
978
References
131
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 39 · 2023: 43 · 2022: 48 · 2021: 82 · 2020: 74 · 2019: 97 · 2018: 98 · 2017: 109 · 2016: 98 · 2015: 75 · 2014: 76 · 2013: 61 · 2012: 31
FWCI
9.13
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Translational Behavioral Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute on Drug Abuse (R21DA024266, K25DA021173)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
Keywords
mobile health intervention, health behavior theory, just-in-time adaptive interventions, interactive intervention, smoking cessation, weight loss, medication adherence, disease management, control engineering

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-09-28.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-09-28.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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