Plain language summary
Obesity in children is increasing and low rates of activity and poor eating habits appear to be at the heart of the problem. New digital technologies and interventions to encourage physical activity are becoming popular and have been assessed in previous reviews, but none of these have focused on children. This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of new digital technologies being used to encourage physical activity in primary school aged children. The results showed that using new digital technologies to improve eating habits and levels of physical activity were of benefit to primary school aged children, however this had limited effect on body mass index. It was concluded that the use of digital technologies in school aged children may be of benefit to health through the prevention of obesity. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that obesity in children is increasing and the use of digital technology to improve physical activity and eating habits may be an effective strategy to combat this.
Abstract
Early acquisition of healthy lifestyle habits is crucial for good adult health. For this reason, the primary stage of education is a critical period to implement educational policies in this regard. The aim of this review is to compile the published evidence regarding school interventions at the primary stage aimed at preventing obesity, and which integrate as part of their action plan two features: an improvement in knowledge or nutrition habits and the promotion of physical activity (PA), and the use of new information and communications technologies (ICT) to do this. The method used for this review is the searching of different databases for publications that include these criteria. The results show beneficial effects of such interventions in improved eating habits and increased PA. The effect on BMI is limited, and the use of ICT can be of help at a motivational level for the maintenance and fulfilment of the health objectives. However, studies of this type in elementary school are very limited, so it would be necessary to continue researching on this line. In conclusion, this review demonstrates the suitability of carrying out mixed interventions (improved nutrition and PA) together with the use of new technologies to improve health and prevent obesity at an early age.
Methodological quality
Jadad score
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Not applicable
Allocation concealment
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