A scoping review of the types and features of technology used to deliver exercise prescription and improve exercise adherence

Sulwarajan K 1 , Jaafar Z 2 , Md Sari NA 3 , Hamzah SH 4 , Yusop FD 5 , Hamid S 6 Show all authors , Ghani NA 6

Affiliations 

  • 1 Sports Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2 Sports Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Sports and Exercise Medicine Research and Education Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: zulkarnainj@um.edu.my
  • 3 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 4 Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 5 Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 6 Department of Information System, Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Patient Educ Couns, 2025 Feb;131:108580.
PMID: 39644532 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108580

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Exercise adherence and motivation can benefit from technology, but the specific factors influencing these improvements remain unclear. This scoping review aimed to outline the types and features of technology used in exercise prescription within healthcare, focusing on enhancing users' adherence to exercise.

METHODS: A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted from January 2000 to February 2023 across Web of Science, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE via PubMed. The review sought studies on technology-based exercise prescriptions for adults ≥ 18 years, evaluating features that enhance motivation or adherence.

RESULTS: Out of 1724 articles reviewed, 45 met the criteria, demonstrating that mobile applications, exercise gaming, wearable trackers, and websites are commonly used technologies for prescribing exercise in healthcare setting. Common features, special features, and motivating features were found to be important in all technology-based exercise tools to enhance users' adherence and motivation.

CONCLUSION: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the technological types and approaches that can support and improve exercise adherence among health service users. The findings also emphasize on specific features that can address current gaps in technology-driven fitness interventions.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals should make informed decisions when recommending these tools to health service users, since technology does play a significant role in promoting long-term adherence to exercise programs.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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