Wearables, smartphones promote physical activity among CVD patients

Among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the use of smartphones and wearable devices leads to substantial gains in daily steps and minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Researchers searched multiple online databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating wearables and smartphone applications to enhance physical activity among patients with CVD. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Outcomes included steps per day, distance, oxygen consumption, and (moderate‐to‐vigorous) physical activity in minutes per day.

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The study population comprised 1,057 patients with CVD, with coronary heart disease or myocardial infarction being the most common. Across all studies, physical activity was promoted through a smartphone or wearable device. The application was supported by a pedometer or accelerometer in most studies.

Pooled data showed that compared with usual care or control interventions, the use of smartphones and wearable devices was associated with a significant gains in steps per day (mean difference, 1,097.4, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 409.2–1,785.6; p=0.0018) and minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (mean difference, 3.9, 95 percent CI, 0.2–7.6; p=0.0413).

The findings indicate that smartphones and wearable activity trackers offer an accessible and scalable approach to extend physical activity support beyond clinical settings, according to the authors.