JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Recent international trends are shifting how researchers investigate movement behaviors, specifically physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. First, there is expanding evidence to support the interconnectedness and synergistic effects of movement behaviors within the 24-hour period. Second, technological advances now allow for the repeated sampling of real-time data in natural settings using electronic ecological momentary assessment (e-EMA). These advances are particularly meaningful for the investigation of 24-hour movement behaviors of young adults who tend to be early adopters of technology and are in a critical life stage for the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors to stave off chronic disease.

Objective:

The purpose of this manuscript was to inform the use of e-EMA methodologies in research of 24-hour movement behaviors of young adults.

Methods:

A total of 5 electronic databases were searched through August 2022 for original peer reviewed studies that included the use of e-EMA, the measurement of a 24-hour movement behavior, and a sample of young adults (ages 18 – 25). Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments were conducted by independent authors with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Descriptive statistics (e.g., frequency, range, mean) and narrative synthesis were used to identify overarching patterns within the following categories guided by the Checklist for Reporting EMA Studies (CREMAS): (1) study characteristics, (2) outcomes and measures, (3) e-EMA procedures, and (4) compliance.

Results:

The search resulted in 1,221 citations with a final sample of 37 reports describing 35 unique studies. Most reports (28/37, 75.7%) were published in the last 5 years (2017 – 2022), used observational designs (35/37, 95%), consisted of samples of college students or apprentices (38/35, 80%), and were conducted in the United States of America (22/37, 59.5%). Physical activity was more frequently measured (28/37, 76%) than sleep (16/37, 43%) or sedentary behavior (4/37, 10.8%). Eleven reports (29.7%) included two 24-hour movement behaviors and no reports included all three 24-hour movement behaviors. E-EMA was frequently used to measure potential correlates of movement behaviors, such as emotional states or feelings (25/37, 67.6%), cognitive processes (7/37, 18.9%), and contextual factors (9/37, 24.3%). There was wide variability in the implementation and reporting of e-EMA procedures, measures, missing data, analysis, and compliance.

Conclusions:

The use of e-EMA methodologies in research of 24-hour movement behaviors of young adults has greatly increased in recent years; however, reports continue to lack standardized reporting of features unique to e-EMA methodology. Additional areas in need of future research include use of e-EMA with more diverse populations and the incorporation of all three 24-hour movement behaviors. Findings are intended to assist investigators in the design, implementation, and reporting of 24-hour movement behavior research using e-EMA with young adults.