JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The use of electronic devices to promote physical activity (PA) offers a unique opportunity to engage parents and children in healthy lifestyles.

Objective:

The purpose of this qualitative systematic review is to increase the understanding of parents’ perceptions about electronic device-based PA interventions with children and adolescents.

Methods:

A systematic search in electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, OpenGrey, and Deep Blue) was conducted from the period of 2010 to May 2022 for qualitative studies about healthy children and adolescents, aged 2-17 years old, about their parents’ perceptions of PA interventions performed on electronic devices, according to the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group Guidance Series and the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ). The JBI Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) was used for methodological validity.

Results:

Eighteen studies, 410 parents, were included. Parents’ perceptions were grouped into five categories: usefulness, advantages, acceptability, general perceptions, and important features. Parents perceived electronic devices as useful for increasing PA and the learning of skills, to increase motivation, and family or peer bonding. Concerns such as physical and psychological damage, addiction, conflicts, difficulties in compliance were found.

Conclusions:

Overall, parents perceived that PA electronic devices could be an effective way to promote PA and preferred physically active games over passive ones. Important features were the ease of use, appropriate feedback, promotion of socialization, and motivating strategies such as rewards, challenges, and appealing appearance. Clinical Trial: Prospero Registration: CRD42021292340.