Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Jul 1, 2025
Date Accepted: Jan 5, 2026
Effects of Digital Health Interventions on Functional and Psychological Outcomes in Older Patients with Hip Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsThe prevalence of hip fractures in the elderly poses an increasing challenge to public health. This makes traditional rehabilitation in older adults a huge challenge. Digital health interventions (DHIs) have thus emerged as a promising solution for postoperative rehabilitation. However, evidence on effects of DHIs on functional and psychological outcomes remains insufficient.
ABSTRACT
Background:
The prevalence of hip fractures in the elderly poses an increasing challenge to public health and continues to put pressure on health and welfare systems. This makes traditional rehabilitation programs in older adults a huge challenge. Digital health interventions (DHIs) have thus emerged as a promising solution that has been applied to the rehabilitation of elderly hip fracture patients. However, evidence on the impact of DHIs on functional and psychological outcomes remains insufficient.
Objective:
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the effects of DHIs on functional, psychosocial outcomes as well as adherence in older adults with hip fractures.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines and systematically searched in 8 scientific databases — PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG and Sino Med. The literature was screened, data were extracted, and the methodological quality of the included trials was assessed. We performed meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software.
Results:
A total of 582 patients from 11 studies were included. The results showed that DHIs can significantly improve hip function (SMD=0.72, 95% CI=[0.34,1.10], P<.01), functional independence (SMD=1.29, 95% CI=[0.45,1.63], P<.05), balance function and risk of falling (SMD=-0.51, 95% CI=[-0.89,-0.12], P=.01). However, there was no beneficial effects on pain and the quality of life in older patients with hip fractures in this review.
Conclusions:
DHIs can significantly improve hip function, functional independence, balance function and risk of falling in older patients with risk of falling. However, the effects of DHIs on QoL and pain were less conclusive, indicating the need for further research to optimize these interventions. Clinical Trial: Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024626186
Citation
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Copyright
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