The past, present and future use of technology-enabled physical activity interventions in clinical and non-clinical populations: a bibliometric trend analysis across four decades - Report - MDSpire

The past, present and future use of technology-enabled physical activity interventions in clinical and non-clinical populations: a bibliometric trend analysis across four decades

  • By

  • Hannes Baumann

  • George Thomas

  • Stephanie Alley

  • Mitch J. Duncan

  • Meighan Browne

  • Bettina Wollesen

  • Corneel Vandelanotte

  • Nicholas Gilson

  • May 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: A Bibliometric Trend Analysis of Technology-Enhanced Physical Activity Interventions

Overview

This bibliometric trend analysis examines the evolution of technology-enhanced physical activity interventions over four decades. It highlights the increasing adoption of smartphone and wearable technologies, particularly in non-clinical populations.

Background

Physical inactivity is a major global health issue linked to chronic diseases and premature mortality. Despite the proven benefits of regular physical activity, many adults remain insufficiently active. The rise of digital health technologies presents new opportunities to address this challenge.

Data Highlights

YearPublications
2008Increase in publications
2010sDominance of smartphone/mHealth and wearable sensors
2022Highest publication activity
2025Non-clinical studies predominated for smartphone/mHealth

Key Findings

  • 2,981 studies identified from 1988 to 2025 across 757 journals.
  • Publications increased significantly after 2008, peaking around 2022.
  • Non-clinical populations adopted newer platforms earlier than clinical populations.
  • Multi-component designs were common, particularly involving smartphone and wearable technologies.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that while technology-enhanced interventions are gaining traction, there remains a need for more effective translation into clinical practice. Understanding the distinct adoption patterns between clinical and non-clinical settings can inform future intervention designs.

Conclusion

This analysis provides an overview of the trends in technology-enhanced physical activity interventions.

Related Resources & Content

  1. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023 -- Impact of Behavior-Change Strategies on Daily Physical Activity Levels in Individuals with Intermittent Claudication: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from the OPTIMA Study
  2. DIGITAL HEALTH, 2023 -- Changes in physical function, pain and quality of life following app-based exercise intervention: A single-arm interventional cohort study
  3. npj Digital Medicine, 2025 -- Systematic review of dynamically tailored eHealth interventions targeting physical activity and healthy diet in chronic disease
  4. CDC -- Adding Physical Activity as an Adult | Physical Activity Basics
  5. PubMed -- Physical Activity and Exercise Intensity Terminology: A Joint American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Expert Statement and Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Consensus Statement
  6. npj Digital Medicine — Collaborative Design with Frail Residents of Nursing Homes to Enhance a VR-Based Physio-Cognitive Intervention through Gamification
  7. Integrating wearable technology into population health monitoring systems for physical activity measurement: meeting report
  8. Adding Physical Activity as an Adult | Physical Activity Basics | CDC
  9. Physical Activity and Exercise Intensity Terminology: A Joint American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Expert Statement and Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Consensus Statement - PubMed
  10. Systematic review and meta analysis of standalone digital behavior change interventions on physical activity | npj Digital Medicine
  11. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2838488
  12. Effects of physical activity-promoting wearable devices on blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Hypertension Research
  13. Photoplethysmography in Diverse Skin Tones: Evaluating Bias in Smartwatch Health Monitoring - PubMed

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