Cited by 400Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsPhysical Activity and HealthContext-Aware Activity Recognition Systems

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Do smartphone applications and activity trackers increase physical activity in adults? Systematic review, meta-analysis and metaregression

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Laranjo, Liliana, Ding, Ding, Heleno, Bruno, Kocaballi, Baki, Quiroz, Juan C, Tong, Huong Ly, Chahwan, Bahia, Neves, Ana Luisa, Gabarron, Elia, Dao, Kim Phuong, Rodrigues, David, Neves, Gisela Costa, Antunes, Maria L, Coiera, Enrico, Bates, David W·2021·British Journal of Sports Medicine

DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102892

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Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of physical activity interventions involving mobile applications (apps) or trackers with automated and continuous self-monitoring and feedback. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: PubMed and seven additional databases, from 2007 to 2020. Study selection: Randomised controlled trials in adults (18–65 years old) without chronic illness, testing a mobile app or an activity tracker, with any comparison, where the main outcome was a physical activity measure. Independent screening was conducted. Data extraction and synthesis: We conducted random effects meta-analysis and all effect sizes were transformed into standardised difference in means (SDM). We conducted exploratory metaregression with continuous and discrete moderators identified as statistically significant in subgroup analyses. Main outcome measures: Physical activity: daily step counts, min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, weekly days exercised, min/week of total physical activity, metabolic equivalents. Results: Thirty-five studies met inclusion criteria and 28 were included in the meta-analysis (n=7454 participants, 28% women). The meta-analysis showed a small-to-moderate positive effect on physical activity measures (SDM 0.350, 95% CI 0.236 to 0.465, I 2 =69%, T 2 =0.051) corresponding to 1850 steps per day (95% CI 1247 to 2457). Interventions including text-messaging and personalisation features were significantly more effective in subgroup analyses and metaregression. Conclusion: Interventions using apps or trackers seem to be effective in promoting physical activity. Longer studies are needed to assess the impact of different intervention components on long-term engagement and effectiveness.

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Additional file 2 of Experiences of activity monitoring and perceptions of digital support among working individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis – a focus group study
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Additional file 8 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
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Additional file 3 of Blended Care Interventions to Promote Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Hohberg, V., Fuchs, R., Gerber, M., Künzler, D., Paganini, S., & Faude, O. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.20408886
Additional file 2 of Behaviour change techniques in cardiovascular disease smartphone apps to improve physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Systematic review and meta-regression
Patterson, K., Davey, R., Keegan, R. J., Kunstler, B., Woodward, A., & Freene, N. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.20267876
Additional file 5 of The Regulate your Sitting Time (RESIT) intervention for reducing sitting time in individuals with type 2 diabetes: findings from a randomised-controlled feasibility trial
Brierley, M. L., Chater, A., Edwardson, C. L., Castle, E. M., Hunt, E. R., Biddle, S., Sisodia, R., & Bailey, D. P. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26711456
Additional file 4 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
Tesarz, J., Lange, H., Kirchner, M., Görlach, A., Eich, W., & Friederich, H.-C. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26701873
Additional file 6 of Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults: an evaluation of the movsnax mobile app
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Grunseit, A. C., Holtermann, A., Steiner, S., Tudor‐Locke, C., Koster, A., Johnson, N. A., Maher, C., Ahmadi, M., Chau, J. Y., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26759453
Additional file 5 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
Tesarz, J., Lange, H., Kirchner, M., Görlach, A., Eich, W., & Friederich, H.-C. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26701876
Additional file 3 of Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults: an evaluation of the movsnax mobile app
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Grunseit, A. C., Holtermann, A., Steiner, S., Tudor‐Locke, C., Koster, A., Johnson, N. A., Maher, C., Ahmadi, M., Chau, J. Y., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26759444
Additional file 2 of The Regulate your Sitting Time (RESIT) intervention for reducing sitting time in individuals with type 2 diabetes: findings from a randomised-controlled feasibility trial
Brierley, M. L., Chater, A., Edwardson, C. L., Castle, E. M., Hunt, E. R., Biddle, S., Sisodia, R., & Bailey, D. P. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.25687597
Additional file 5 of Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults: an evaluation of the movsnax mobile app
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Grunseit, A. C., Holtermann, A., Steiner, S., Tudor‐Locke, C., Koster, A., Johnson, N. A., Maher, C., Ahmadi, M., Chau, J. Y., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26759450
Additional file 2 of Participatory development of an mHealth intervention delivered in general practice to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour of patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (ENERGISED)
Novak, J., Jurková, K., Lojkaskova, A., Jaklova, A., Kühnová, J., Pfeiferová, M., Král, N., Janek, M., Omcirk, D., Malisova, K., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26699894
Additional file 1 of mHealth intervention delivered in general practice to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour of patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (ENERGISED): rationale and study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Větrovský, T., Král, N., Pfeiferová, M., Kühnová, J., Novak, J., Wahlich, C., Jaklova, A., Jurková, K., Janek, M., Omcirk, D., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26579444
Additional file 1 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
Tesarz, J., Lange, H., Kirchner, M., Görlach, A., Eich, W., & Friederich, H.-C. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26701861
Additional file 2 of Study protocol for the description and evaluation of the “Habit Coach” - a longitudinal multicenter mHealth intervention for healthy habit formation in health care professionals
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Additional file 3 of Study protocol for the description and evaluation of the “Habit Coach” - a longitudinal multicenter mHealth intervention for healthy habit formation in health care professionals
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Additional file 4 of The Regulate your Sitting Time (RESIT) intervention for reducing sitting time in individuals with type 2 diabetes: findings from a randomised-controlled feasibility trial
Brierley, M. L., Chater, A., Edwardson, C. L., Castle, E. M., Hunt, E. R., Biddle, S., Sisodia, R., & Bailey, D. P. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26711453
Additional file 3 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
Tesarz, J., Lange, H., Kirchner, M., Görlach, A., Eich, W., & Friederich, H.-C. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26701870
Additional file 3 of The Regulate your Sitting Time (RESIT) intervention for reducing sitting time in individuals with type 2 diabetes: findings from a randomised-controlled feasibility trial
Brierley, M. L., Chater, A., Edwardson, C. L., Castle, E. M., Hunt, E. R., Biddle, S., Sisodia, R., & Bailey, D. P. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26711450
Additional file 9 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
Tesarz, J., Lange, H., Kirchner, M., Görlach, A., Eich, W., & Friederich, H.-C. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26701888
Additional file 3 of mHealth intervention delivered in general practice to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour of patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (ENERGISED): rationale and study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Větrovský, T., Král, N., Pfeiferová, M., Kühnová, J., Novak, J., Wahlich, C., Jaklova, A., Jurková, K., Janek, M., Omcirk, D., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26579450
Additional file 1 of Blended Care Interventions to Promote Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Hohberg, V., Fuchs, R., Gerber, M., Künzler, D., Paganini, S., & Faude, O. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.20408880
Additional file 1 of Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults: an evaluation of the movsnax mobile app
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Grunseit, A. C., Holtermann, A., Steiner, S., Tudor‐Locke, C., Koster, A., Johnson, N. A., Maher, C., Ahmadi, M., Chau, J. Y., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26549324
Additional file 1 of Experiences of activity monitoring and perceptions of digital support among working individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis – a focus group study
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Additional file 4 of Study protocol for the description and evaluation of the “Habit Coach” - a longitudinal multicenter mHealth intervention for healthy habit formation in health care professionals
Vogelsang, A., Hinrichs, C., Fleig, L., & Pfeffer, I. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.20921242
Additional file 6 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
Tesarz, J., Lange, H., Kirchner, M., Görlach, A., Eich, W., & Friederich, H.-C. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26701879
Additional file 1 of Participatory development of an mHealth intervention delivered in general practice to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour of patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (ENERGISED)
Novak, J., Jurková, K., Lojkaskova, A., Jaklova, A., Kühnová, J., Pfeiferová, M., Král, N., Janek, M., Omcirk, D., Malisova, K., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26699891
Additional file 7 of Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults: an evaluation of the movsnax mobile app
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Grunseit, A. C., Holtermann, A., Steiner, S., Tudor‐Locke, C., Koster, A., Johnson, N. A., Maher, C., Ahmadi, M., Chau, J. Y., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26759456
Additional file 2 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
Tesarz, J., Lange, H., Kirchner, M., Görlach, A., Eich, W., & Friederich, H.-C. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26701864
Additional file 7 of Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial)
Tesarz, J., Lange, H., Kirchner, M., Görlach, A., Eich, W., & Friederich, H.-C. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26701882
Additional file 4 of Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults: an evaluation of the movsnax mobile app
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Grunseit, A. C., Holtermann, A., Steiner, S., Tudor‐Locke, C., Koster, A., Johnson, N. A., Maher, C., Ahmadi, M., Chau, J. Y., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26759447
Additional file 3 of Behaviour change techniques in cardiovascular disease smartphone apps to improve physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Systematic review and meta-regression
Patterson, K., Davey, R., Keegan, R. J., Kunstler, B., Woodward, A., & Freene, N. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.20267879
Additional file 2 of Blended Care Interventions to Promote Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Hohberg, V., Fuchs, R., Gerber, M., Künzler, D., Paganini, S., & Faude, O. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.20408883
Additional file 1 of Behaviour change techniques in cardiovascular disease smartphone apps to improve physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Systematic review and meta-regression
Patterson, K., Davey, R., Keegan, R. J., Kunstler, B., Woodward, A., & Freene, N. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.20267873
Additional file 1 of Wearable Devices to Improve Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Behaviour: An Umbrella Review
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Additional file 2 of Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults: an evaluation of the movsnax mobile app
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Grunseit, A. C., Holtermann, A., Steiner, S., Tudor-Locke, C., Koster, A., Johnson, N. A., Maher, C., Ahmadi, M., Chau, J. Y., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26549426
Additional file 1 of Study protocol for the description and evaluation of the “Habit Coach” - a longitudinal multicenter mHealth intervention for healthy habit formation in health care professionals
Vogelsang, A., Hinrichs, C., Fleig, L., & Pfeffer, I. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.20921233
Additional file 2 of mHealth intervention delivered in general practice to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour of patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (ENERGISED): rationale and study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Větrovský, T., Král, N., Pfeiferová, M., Kühnová, J., Novak, J., Wahlich, C., Jaklova, A., Jurková, K., Janek, M., Omcirk, D., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26579447
Additional file 4 of mHealth intervention delivered in general practice to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour of patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (ENERGISED): rationale and study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Větrovský, T., Král, N., Pfeiferová, M., Kühnová, J., Novak, J., Wahlich, C., Jaklova, A., Jurková, K., Janek, M., Omcirk, D., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26579453
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Nakagomi, A., Abe, N., Ueno, T., Iizuka, G., Kawasaki, Y., & Kondo, K. (2026) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/75708
“With the growth of digital health technologies, many mobile apps now integrate behavior change techniques [14].”
Increasing App Engagement Behaviors via Goal-Enabling Technology Features: The Role of Goal Difficulty Dimensions
An, J., Bonfrer, A., & Eckert, C. (2026) · Journal of Marketing Research · doi:10.1177/00222437261433457
“Contrary to the potential positive effects of goal setting high-lighted previously, a meta-analysis (Laranjo et al. 2021) examining the effectiveness of apps in increasing physical activity outcomes found that specifying a goal does not necessarily lead to greater physical activity.”
CommitFit: A Blockchain-Based Fitness Platform with Financial Incentives and Decentralized Activity Verification for Enhanced User Engagement
Kale, R., Darekar, S., Deshmukh, A. K., Deore, B., & Datir, D. (2025) · International Conference on Advances in Computation, Communication and Information Technology (ICAICCIT) · doi:10.1109/icaiccit68829.2025.11434133
“These findings confirm and demonstrate previous findings from Laranjo et al (2021), which show that financial incentives effectively improve activity in adults [2].”
Influential
mHealth Intervention to Promote Nonexercise Physical Activity in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Secondary Analysis and Implementation Study
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“The progressively lowering use has been recognized also in interventions involving adults without chronic diseases, although their attrition rates have been more moderate [21].”
Using an Adult-Designed Wearable for Pediatric Monitoring: Practical Tutorial and Application in School-Aged Children With Obesity
Angelucci, A., Aliverti, A., Vandoni, M., Lucini, D., Larizza, C., Pellino, V. C., Zuccotti, G. V., & Calcaterra, V. (2026) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/76166
“Feedback provided by consumer devices, especially those equipped with displays, can induce behavioral reactivity, potentially nudging toward active lifestyles [1].”
Effect of the Fake Phone Call App on Patient Adherence Behavior and Motivation in Conversation Training Therapy: A Randomized Crossover Trial
van Leer, E., Gillespie, A. I., Shelly, S., & Voyles, C. B. (2026) · American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology · doi:10.1044/2025_ajslp-25-00364
Effect of Wearable Activity Tracker Social Behaviors on Physical Activity and Exercise Self-Efficacy: Real-World Pilot Study
Bireline, A., Hevel, D. J., & Davis, P. G. (2026) · JMIR Formative Research · doi:10.2196/75133 · Cited by 3
“…(eg, self-regulation, goal setting) offer multicomponent interventions that may potentiate behavior change [12, 13], studies using wearable trackers have been somewhat inconclusive on other more specific PA metrics, such as light versus moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) [1-4, 14,”
Willingness to adopt digital behavior change interventions in people with chronic conditions
Oikonomidi, T. (2021) · theses.fr (ABES) · doi:10.70675/1c55ba23zaa2az4f6ez987fz81d53ee22274
Effet d’une intervention en activité physique individualisée en condition écologique sur l’instabilité de la plaque d’athérome carotidienne chez des patients non opérés
Mura, M. (2022) · theses.fr (ABES) · doi:10.70675/53ea5ac7zb30dz4a69z9928zce37855c4df9
Perspectives on Remote Monitoring via Smartphones and Wearables Among Individuals With Lived Experience or at Risk of Eating Disorders (“This Could Go Very, Very Wrong”): Qualitative Interview Study
Kuehne, C., Yim, S. H., Ince, B., Fordham, E., Matcham, F., Simblett, S. K., White, K. M., Folarin, A., Sharpe, H., & Schmidt, U. H. (2026) · JMIR Formative Research · doi:10.2196/86382
Effectiveness of Fitbit-Based Interventions in Improving 24-hour Movement Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Integrating physical activity into the workplace: opportunities for enhancing employee health
Signorini, G., Scurati, R., Bosio, A., Pagano, A., Magaldi, E., Invernizzi, P. L., & Rigon, M. (2026) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1812858
“This improvement is achieved through the development of healthy routines, proper education in movement, enhanced self-perception, and fostering autonomy in physical development (Commissaris et al., 2016; Jindo et al., 2019; Laranjo et al., 2021; Ryan and Deci, 2000).”
Design Considerations of Technology to Promote Outdoors Physical Activity for Older Adults - Perspectives of Older Adults and Experts
Badmos, F., Emma, M., & Berry, D. (2026) · Lecture notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-27582-0_18
Social Media as a Double-Edged Blade in Addressing Sedentary Lifestyles: Supportive and Adverse Effects
Hematabadi, A., Rashidlamir, A., Motevalli, M. S., Schauer, M., & Arazi, H. (2026) · Health Education & Behavior · doi:10.1177/10901981261458638
Long-term changes in daily step count goals following the introduction of a gamified smartphone application in Japan
Karasawa, S., Nemoto, Y., Hayashi, H., Kondo, N., Kawachi, I. I., & Kamada, M. (2026) · Journal of Epidemiology · doi:10.2188/jea.je20260126
Determinants of intention to use generative AI fitness assistants: Integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior, second-order information system quality, and perceived value
Li, C., & Shi, Y. (2026) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0353384
Exploring Response Patterns to Motivational Messages Supporting Physical Activity: Latent Class Analysis
Moriishi, C., Oba, T., Takano, K., Katahira, K., & Kimura, K. (2026) · JMIR Human Factors · doi:10.2196/91917
Trends in leisure-time physical activity participation by sex and age in Brazil: insights from Vigitel 2013–2023
Gonçalves, T. R., Mediano, M. F. F., Fonseca, C. C., Araujo, G. L. V., Oliveira, L. A. D. A., da Silva, P. H. N., Kimura, G. K. D. A., Florindo, A. A., Hallal, P. C., & Paravidino, V. B. (2026) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-026-27178-7
“…a general trend toward more structured and intentional engagement in PA, likely influenced by expanded access to community programs, educational efforts, and digital platforms (such as smartphone fitness applications, social media, and online exercise videos) promoting active lifestyles [44–46].”
Research and Development of a Social Cognitive Theory-based Mobile Application to Enhance Physical Activity in Aging Workforce With Hypertension
Chusri, O., Suriyawong, W., Dechakul, M., & Sanprakhon, P. (2026) · CIN Computers Informatics Nursing · doi:10.1097/cin.0000000000001604
Can a mobile application improve physical activity levels?
Machado, I., Aleixo, A., Guerra, T., Vaz, L., João, P., Fernandes, I. J., Correia, R., & Abrantes, C. (2026) · Intelligent Sports and Health · doi:10.1016/j.ish.2026.07.001
Digital communication tools used to promote healthy lifestyles: an overview of reviews from the BRIDGE project
Kinany, K. E., Abdelhamid, A., Benedict, A., Aly, M., Abdelkarim, O., & Rhazi, K. E. (2026) · Frontiers in Digital Health · doi:10.3389/fdgth.2026.1805124 · Cited by 1
“In adults, digital PA interventions have primarily focused on self-regulation, personalization, and behavioral feedback (19, 25).”
Association Between Behavioral Phenotypes and Paid Subscription and Renewal Among New mHealth App Users: Six-Month Prospective Cohort Study
Genaidy, Y., Hasan, R., Incitti, J., Bloom, E. L., Tremblay, P. F., & Mitchell, M. (2026) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/93691
“Although the Hosmer-Lemeshow P value indicates the model fits the data reasonably well, the low Nagelkerke R 2 value of approximately 4.7% suggests the model explains only a small portion of the variance in renewal (Multimedia Appendix 8).”
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“A meta-analysis by Laranjo et al. (21) found that digital feedback combined with personalized goal setting enhanced intervention effectiveness across diverse populations.”
Effects of elastic-band resistance training on glycemic control, muscle strength, and functional outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Zhu, Y., Zhu, Z., Wang, H., Cao, S., Shan, C., & Yuan, X. (2026) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1910792 · Cited by 1
Effectiveness of interventions using activity trackers and smartphone applications for increasing physical activity in older adults with health conditions: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Hamdani, N., Saragiotto, B. T., Stubbs, P. W., Oliveira, J., Tiedemann, A., Sherrington, C., Santana, P., Ferretti, G. M., Verhagen, A. P., & Mehta, P. (2026) · The Journal of Frailty & Aging · doi:10.1016/j.tjfa.2026.100180
“…have examined activity trackers in older adults [1,35 – 39] and on mixed-age populations [29,30, 40] most included individuals 60 years, healthy populations, or mixed populations (healthy and diseased) limiting the generalisability to people with underlying health conditions [1,29,30,35,40 – 45].”
From Digital Engagement to Physical Activity: A Four-Wave Test of Behavioral Spillover in Online Fitness Communities
Zhu, Q., Tu, Y., Li, X., & Chang, P. (2026) · Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.3390/bs16091645
“The evidence base for digital tools that do move activity is built on interventions defined by automated self-monitoring and feedback (Ferguson et al., 2022; Laranjo et al., 2021).”
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Online and Mixed Mode Physical Education and University Students’ Physical Capabilities: A Longitudinal Cohort Study in China
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Active Aging Through ICT—Current Opportunities and Challenges
Jungreitmayr, S. (2026) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-662-73013-3_11
Mediators and mechanisms of change in digital health interventions for physical activity behaviour: a systematic review
Lee, A., Zhang, H., & Rhodes, R. E. (2026) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2026.2735273
Prescribing Exercise as a Lifestyle Intervention
Karatzaferi, C., Osório, T. G., Conde, J., Arosa, L., Roditi, E.-E., & Sakkas, G. K. (2026) · Advances in predictive, preventive and personalised medicine · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-32838-0_11
The effects of resistance exercise snacks via a mobile health app on musculoskeletal strength in sedentary young women: a randomized controlled trial
Shang, Z., Zhao, Z., Zheng, X., Zhao, F., Ma, Y., Liu, Z., & Zhou, K. (2026) · Frontiers in Physiology · doi:10.3389/fphys.2026.1926054
“Previous systematic reviews suggest that mobile apps and activity trackers may support physical activity participation, and features such as reminders, self-monitoring, and personalized feedback may contribute to user engagement and adherence (Szinay et al., 2020; Laranjo et al., 2021).”
Intelligent-assistant support versus usual self-scheduling for extracurricular physical activity among university students: a comparative evaluation
Li, X., Jiang, Y., Wang, Y., Wang, Y., & Liu, Y. (2026) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1945553
“By contrast, interventions that combine digital monitoring with additional elements such as explicit behavioural goals, incentives, coaching or social support have sometimes produced more favourable outcomes (12, 25, 26).”
Influential
Wearable Health-Tracking Devices and Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines Among US Adults, Including Those with Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Analysis of HINTS 7 (2024)
Goldman, D., Kortowich, L., & Nagra, M. (2026) · American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine · doi:10.1177/15598276261496228
“21 Phones are not always carried, so they can undercount steps in free-living conditions, 33 but encouraging patients to use the step-counting features of a device they already own may achieve broader uptake than recommending the purchase of a new device, particularly among older and lower-income…”
Baseline Self-Ratings and Functional Self-Assessments Among Predominantly Female Participants in a 21-Day Digital Corrective Exercise Programme: A Cross-Sectional Study
Rukavina, A.-M. J., & Pongračić, L. (2026) · Baltic Journal of Sport and Health Sciences · doi:10.33607/bjshs.v2i143.2360
Exercise Prescriptions for Cardiovascular Health in Adults: 2026 ACC Scientific Statement
MYERS, J. N., Beckie, T. M., Chastin, S., Fleg, J. L., Kitzman, D. W., Thompson, P. D., & Wasfy, M. M. (2026) · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2026.09.008
WEARABLE BIOSENSORS IN REMOTE CHRONIC DISEASE MONITORING: A STRUCTURED REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION BARRIERS AND HEALTH EQUITY IMPLICATIONS
Juskowiak, J., Komin, Z. J., Liasota, M., Kabat, E. Z., Kozłowska, M. J., Konopka, K., Majchrzak, M. K., Kołodziej, F. M., Kwiatkowska, A., & Lis, M. (2026) · International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science · doi:10.31435/ijitss.4(52).2026.6394
Steps to Better Health: An Everyday Guide to Walking
Webber, B. J. (2026) · American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine · doi:10.1177/15598276261488034
The psychological mechanisms of fitness app gamification in promoting college students' exercise engagement: Multiple mediating roles of basic psychological needs and self-efficacy
Zhang, Q., Du, Y., & Li, Y. (2026) · Acta Psychologica · doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.107999

Authors: Laranjo, L., Ding, D., Heleno, B., Kocaballi, B., Quiroz, J. C., Tong, H. L., Chahwan, B., Neves, A. L., Gabarron, E., Dao, K. P., Rodrigues, D., Neves, G. C., Antunes, M. L., Coiera, E., & Bates, D. W.
Affiliations: The University of Sydney (AU)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa (PT)
UNSW Sydney (AU)
Macquarie University (AU)
Brigham and Women's Hospital (US)
Corresponding author: Laranjo, Liliana
ORCID: Laranjo, Liliana
Ding, Ding
Heleno, Bruno
Quiroz, Juan C
Tong, Huong Ly
Dao, Kim Phuong
Coiera, Enrico
Bates, David W
Venue: British Journal of Sports Medicine
Publisher: BMJ
Published: 2020-12-21
Volume: 55
Issue: 8
Pages: 422-432
ISSN: 0306-3674 (ISSN-L)
1473-0480
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102892
OpenAlex: W3113845499
Cited by: 400
References: 91
Citations by year: 2026: 55 · 2025: 80 · 2024: 102 · 2023: 54 · 2022: 75 · 2021: 34
FWCI: 7.77
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Locations: British Journal of Sports Medicine (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Repository of Digital Objects for Teaching Research and Culture (University of Valencia) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (cc-by)
Funders: National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1134919)
Topics: Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Physical Activity and Health
Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition › Context-Aware Activity Recognition Systems
Keywords: mobile health apps, wearable activity trackers, physical activity promotion, self-monitoring, feedback, step count, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, text messaging, personalization, adults
MeSH terms: Smartphone, Fitness Trackers, Adult, Feedback, Humans, Regression Analysis, Health Behavior, Exercise, Mobile Applications

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Do smartphone applications and activity trackers increase physical activity in adults? Systematic review, meta-analysis and metaregression

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