Interventions numériques et promotion de l’activité physique : une revue narrative

Abstract

Physical inactivity, which affects more than a quarter of the world's population, is recognized as a major factor in the incidence of chronic diseases and premature mortality. Faced with this pandemic, the development of interventions to encourage the adoption and maintenance of an active lifestyle has become a major public health concern. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the existing literature on the benefits of interventions using digital technologies as catalysts to encourage the adoption of physically active lifestyles, while identifying the points of vigilance that accompany their deployment. Studies show a moderate but positive effect of these interventions on physical activity levels. However, while they are beneficial for a majority of people, irrespective of age, health status, or the digital tool mobilized, the effects diminish over time, and their effectiveness is not proven for individuals with a low socioeconomic status. To address health equity issues, future research should focus on identifying the digital tools and behavior change techniques best suited to specific populations. With regard to this objective, the integration of scientific knowledge and theoretical models into digital tools and interventions developed to promote physical activity remains insufficient.