Self-directed web-based programs are effective in improving physical activity and or diet quality for people living with chronic illness. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dina Pogrebnoy1,2, Amy Dennett3, Dawn Simpson2, Lesley MacDonald-Wicks2, Amanda Patterson2, Coralie English2 1Western Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia2University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia3Eastern Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Abstract
Background: People living with chronic conditions want resources to manage their secondary risk factors. Online, self-directed programs may help achieve effective risk factor management for people living with chronic illness. We aimed to explore whether self-directed web-based programs can facilitate improvements in physical activity levels and/or diet quality for people living with conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke.
Methods:
A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PEDro from earliest available until 3rd of February 2023. Randomized control trials evaluating effectiveness of self-directed web-based programs on physical activity levels and/or diet quality in adults living with chronic illness were included. Where reported, data on quality of life and/or self-efficacy was also extracted.
Results: Thirty-two papers were included with data from 6556 participants pooled for meta-analysis. We found moderate level evidence that self-directed web-based programs significantly improve physical activity levels (MD 41.45min, 95% CI (21.93 to 60.97)), quality of life (SMD 0.36, 95% CI (0.12 to 0.59)) and self-efficacy (SMD 0.26, 95% CI (0.05 to 0.48)) when compared to usual care. There was high level evidence of reduction in processed meat consumption (MD, 1.14 portions per/week, 95% CI (0.70 to 1.58)). No significant differences were detected for other outcomes when compared to usual care or when comparing self-directed web-based programs with web-based programs offering more personalized and/or supported content.
Conclusion:
Participation in self-directed web-based programs leads to improvements in physical activity levels, quality of life, self-efficacy and some positive dietary changes in people living with chronic illness when compared to usual care.
Biography
Dina works as a clinical research physiotherapist at Western Health in Melbourne and is completing her PhD at the University of Newcastle in NSW. Dina’s research interests are in secondary stroke prevention and her main research has focused on co- designing accessible resources with survivors of stroke to help them engage in meaningful physical activity and to eat well after stroke. Outside of research, Dina enjoys bike riding, painting and being a mum to two very active kids.