A SCOPING REVIEW ABOUT THE ADOPTION AND ADHERENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MOBILE APPLICATIONS BY OLDER PEOPLE

Resumo

Background: One strategy to promote physical activity (PA) practice is the use of mobile apps. However, older people may face difficulties using these technologies. Reviewing relevant literature can support the development of more accessible apps. Objective: To map the factors related to adoption and adherence of PA mobile applications by older people. Methods: Studies were searched in five databases and two additional strategies were performed. Terms about adoption, adherence, factors, mobile applications, PA and older people were searched. Studies available since 2010 in English, Portuguese or Spanish were included. Descriptive analysis and inductive thematic analysis were performed. Results: Twelve studies were included, the majority published after year 2017. All research participants used at least one PA app. The main factors found in relation to adoption were personal factors concerning the individual, such as attitudes, psychological factors and preferences and for adherence were technical factors related to the app, such as functions, complexity, fun, feedback and learn to use. The factors appeared as barriers and facilitators. Conclusions: This review identified factors that can assist in the improvement of PA apps for older people, highlighting the importance of developing accessible technologies to increase user adherence.