Physical inactivity and obesity are modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. eHealth interventions may increase physical activity and improve obesity-related outcomes among women. The objective of this study was to review the evidence of the effectiveness of eHealth interventions to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among working-age women. The secondary objective was to examine their effectiveness on improving obesity-related outcomes. A comprehensive search strategy was developed for eight electronic databases; through July 2016. All studies consisting of >80% women of working-age (18-65 years) in high income countries were included. Multiple unblinded reviewers determined study eligibility and extracted data. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and data quality using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Sixty studies were included in the review of which 20 were in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated eHealth interventions improved moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (standard mean difference = 1.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.58, 1.68, P < 0.0001); an increase of ~25 min week-1 . No changes were observed in obesity-related outcomes; waist circumference (P = 0.06), body mass (P = 0.05) and body mass index (P = 0.35). eHealth interventions are effective at increasing min week-1 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among working-age women from high income countries.
Keywords: eHealth; obesity; physical activity; women.
© 2018 World Obesity Federation.