JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Adolescence represents a crucial period for both physical and psychological development, as well as for the establishment of healthy habits, with moderate physical activity being fundamental to overall health.However, a significant proportion of adolescents worldwide fail to meet the recommended 60-minute daily physical activity guideline, rendering physical inactivity a pressing public health issue.Digital health interventions (DHIs) have shown considerable potential, yet the existing body of research demonstrates significant variability in effectiveness, necessitating further systematic investigation.

Objective:

This study aims to systematically examine digital health interventions implemented in recent years to promote physical activity among adolescents, with particular emphasis on the types of interventions, their defining characteristics, and observed outcomes, thereby offering a theoretical foundation and practical reference for future research in this domain.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of literature was conducted across Web of Science, Pub Med, EBSCO, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2025. Following rigorous screening, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

The 24 included studies identified diverse forms of digital health interventions, categorized into three main types: Single-Driver Intervention , Multi modal Integrated Intervention, and Interaction-Enhanced Intervention. Most interventions incorporated behavioral change techniques, including goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback. The interventions targeted healthy adolescents aged 10 to 19 years and specific subgroups, including those who were physically inactive, overweight or obese, and adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most studies reported favorable outcomes during the intervention period, encompassing both direct effects—such as increased physical activity levels—and indirect effects, including enhanced motivation and improved attitudes.

Conclusions:

DHIs appear to be effective in enhancing adolescents’ motivation and promoting physical activity. However, uncertainty persists regarding the sustainability and generalizability of these interventions in sustaining actual physical activity levels over time. Future research should reinforce the theoretical underpinnings of intervention design and adopt individualized strategies to enhance long-term effectiveness and participant adherence. Additionally, efforts should be directed toward integrating multiple intervention modalities to optimize intervention quality and facilitate practical implementation.