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Effectiveness of Social Media-Based Interventions for the Promotion of Physical Activity: Scoping Review

Author

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  • Liane Günther

    (Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany)

  • Sarah Schleberger

    (Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany)

  • Claudia R. Pischke

    (Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany)

Abstract

A global target of the World Health Organization (WHO) is to reduce physical inactivity among all adults and adolescents by approximately fifteen percent by 2030. Social media could have an impact in this effort because of its enormous reach, potentially addressing underserved populations in need for physical activity (PA) interventions. This scoping review provides a broad overview of social media-based interventions and systematically maps the evidence regarding their effectiveness for PA promotion and other health outcomes. Scopus and Medline were searched using the terms “physical activity” and “social media” and the names of key social media platforms. Following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, abstracts and full texts were screened for eligibility. In total, 12,321 publications were identified and 53 met the inclusion criteria. The use of Facebook was most prevalent in PA interventions, followed by study-specific platforms. More than one third of the studies revealed positive effects regarding the promotion of PA. Additionally, social media-based interventions positively affected other physical dimensions of health (e.g., weight or blood pressure). Results pertaining to feasibility were heterogeneous. Social media seems to be a promising tool for increasing PA at the population level. Future studies should take the abundance of platforms into account and select social media platforms consciously.

Suggested Citation

  • Liane Günther & Sarah Schleberger & Claudia R. Pischke, 2021. "Effectiveness of Social Media-Based Interventions for the Promotion of Physical Activity: Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:13018-:d:699090
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heidi Ruotsalainen & Helvi Kyngäs & Tuija Tammelin & Hanna Heikkinen & Maria Kääriäinen, 2015. "Effectiveness of Facebook-Delivered Lifestyle Counselling and Physical Activity Self-Monitoring on Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Tr," Nursing Research and Practice, Hindawi, vol. 2015, pages 1-14, December.
    2. Gregory S Kolt & Emma S George & Amanda L Rebar & Mitch J Duncan & Corneel Vandelanotte & Cristina M Caperchione & Anthony J Maeder & Rhys Tague & Trevor N Savage & Anetta Van Itallie & Nadeesha R Maw, 2017. "Associations between quality of life and duration and frequency of physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Baseline findings from the WALK 2.0 randomised controlled trial," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(6), pages 1-14, June.
    3. Zachary C. Pope & Daheia J. Barr-Anderson & Beth A. Lewis & Mark A. Pereira & Zan Gao, 2019. "Use of Wearable Technology and Social Media to Improve Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors among College Students: A 12-Week Randomized Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-21, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liane Günther & Sarah Schleberger & Claudia R. Pischke, 2022. "Feasibility of a Social Network-Based Physical Activity Intervention Targeting Vocational School Students: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, August.

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