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Evidence Summary
What is an Evidence Summary?
Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisTechnologies, such as smartwatches or smartphones, may improve behavioural and health outcomes among those living with cardiovascular disease
Akinosun AS, Polson R, Diaz-Skeete Y, et al. Digital technology interventions for risk factor modification in patients with cardiovascular disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2021;9(3): e21061.
Review question
Are digital strategies effective in changing behaviours and reducing risk factors in people living with cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
Background
Lifestyle risk factors, such as diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and obesity account for approximately 50% of CVD cases. There are a growing number of digital strategies aiming to help people with and without chronic diseases improve their health and make behavioural changes. Although these strategies appear promising, summarized evidence on their effectiveness in changing behaviour and improving outcomes in individuals with CVD is lacking.
How the review was done
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials. The studies were published between 2002 and 2019 and included 5,799 participants.
Key features of the studies were:
- Participants had a diagnosis of CVD and were on average 60 years of age.
- Participants engaged in digital strategies—which combined the use of devices like cell/mobile phones, wearable technology, and laptops and desktops with technologies like the internet, apps, text messaging, and mobile sensors—alone or in addition to usual care. Examples of these strategies include phone or text-message support, telemonitoring, telerehabilitation, and online feedback and tracking.
- Researchers measured changes to behavioural outcomes (such as physical activity, diet, medication adherence, smoking, and alcohol consumption) and clinical outcomes (such as cholesterol, body mass index, blood sugar, and blood pressure).
- Results were compared to control groups who received usual care only.
What the researchers found
Compared to usual care, the review found that digital strategies may improve the following behavioural and health outcomes in people living with CVD: healthy eating, physical activity, medication adherence (in certain cases), sedentary behaviour, total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and lipoproteins (aka particles of fat + protein found in the blood). However, they do not seem to impact smoking, alcohol use, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index.
Conclusion
Digital strategies may help improve some behavioural and health outcomes, potentially improving the lives of those living with CVD.
Related Topics
Glossary
Indicates whether someone’s height and weight puts them at an increased risk of a number of chronic diseases.
A fat-like substance with a soft, waxy texture.
A group that receives either no treatment or a standard treatment.
Advanced statistical methods contrasting and combining results from different studies.
Studies where people are assigned to one of the treatments purely by chance.
Aspects making a condition more likely.
A comprehensive evaluation of the available research evidence on a particular topic.
The body's network of blood vessels. It includes the arteries, veins, and capillaries that carry blood to and from the heart.
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