Characteristics and Functionalities of Digital Tools Supporting Motivation and Adherence to Phys

02 Apr 20265 min read0 viewsJournal Feed

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Introduction Regular physical activity declines with age, particularly among older adults with health conditions. Digital tools, including wearable devices, mobile applications, virtual reality systems and tele-exercise platforms, offer promising ways to promote physical activity.

However, the technological components of these tools and their reported associations with motivation, adherence and physical activity levels remain underexplored. This scoping review aims to map the characteristics and functionalities of digital tools used to promote physical activity among older adults with health conditions and to examine how these components are described in relation to psychobehavioural outcomes.

Methods and analysis This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidance. Searches will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo and SportDiscus.

The reference lists of included studies will also be screened to identify additional relevant articles. Eligible studies will include adults aged 60 years or older with health conditions using digital tools for physical activity.

Two reviewers will independently select studies and extract data on the components of digital tools.

Clinical Editorial

Summary

Mapping Digital Tool Features for Motivation and Adherence in Older Adults: A Protocol Lens

Scope and objective

The document outlines a scoping review protocol focused on older adults (60 years and older) with health conditions.
It aims to characterize digital tools designed to promote physical activity, including wearables, mobile apps, virtual reality, and tele-exercise platforms.
A core goal is to examine how technological components relate to psychobehavioral outcomes such as motivation and adherence, as described in the source material.

Study framework and design

Methodology follows Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews.
The review plan involves systematic searching across multiple databases: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and SportDiscus.
Reference screening of included studies will be conducted to identify additional relevant work.

Eligibility criteria and data extraction

Included populations are adults aged 60 years or older with health conditions who use digital tools for physical activity.
Two reviewers will independently perform study selection and data extraction.
Data extraction will focus on the components and characteristics of digital tools.

Analytical approach

A descriptive synthesis will summarize the key technological attributes of the tools.
Content analysis will be employed to identify and categorize tool components.
The analysis will describe how these components are reported in relation to psychobehavioral outcomes and underlying theories or constructs.

Ethics, dissemination, and limitations

The protocol notes that no human participants are involved, so ethical approval is not required.
Intended dissemination channels include peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and stakeholder summaries.