Dennett R, Gunn H, Freeman JA. Effectiveness of and User Experience With Web-Based Interventions in Increasing Physical Activity Levels in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.
Phys Ther 2018;
98:679-690. [PMID:
29771367 DOI:
10.1093/ptj/pzy060]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Supporting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to achieve and maintain recommended levels of physical activity is important but challenging. Web-based interventions are increasingly being used to deliver targeted exercise programs and promote physical activity.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to systematically review current evidence regarding the effectiveness and user experience of web-based interventions in increasing physical activity in people with MS.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, PsychInfo, Web of Sciences, The Cochrane Library, and gray literature were searched from 1990 to September 2016.
STUDY SELECTION
English language articles reporting the use of web-based interventions to increase physical activity in adults with MS were included. Eligible quantitative studies were of any design and reported a measure of physical activity. Qualitative studies exploring users' experiences in any context were included. Of the 881 articles identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data using standardized critical appraisal and data extraction tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI).
DATA SYNTHESIS
Meta-analysis of self-reported physical activity questionnaire data from 4 studies demonstrated a standardized mean difference of 0.67 (95% CI = 0.43-0.92), indicating a positive effect in favor of the web-based interventions. Narrative review of accelerometry data from 3 studies indicated increases in objectively measured physical activity. No qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria.
LIMITATIONS
In the 9 included articles, only 2 different interventions (used with people who were ambulant) were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Web-based interventions had a short-term positive effect on self-reported physical activity in people who had MS and were ambulant. Evidence is not currently available to support or refute their use in the long-term or with people who are not ambulant.
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