Wearable Activity Tracker–Based Interventions for Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Physical Function Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: The global aging population faces great challenges. Wearable activity trackers have emerged as tools to promote physical activity among older adults, potentially improving health outcomes. However, the effectiveness of such interventions on physical activity, body composition, and physical function among community-dwelling older adults remains debated. Objective: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of wearable activity tracker–based interventions on physical activity, body composition, and physical function among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases from inception until January 2025 to identify related randomized controlled trials. The outcomes were focused on physical activity (physical activity time, daily step count, and daily sedentary time); body composition (BMI and body fat); and physical function (timed up and go test and chair stand test). Subgroup analysis by different controls (usual care or conventional interventions) and different follow-ups (immediate or short term) were performed. Results: In total 23 trials with 4566 participants were eligible for analysis. Compared to usual care, there was lo- to moderate-certainty evidence that the wearable activity tracker–based interventions significantly increased physical activity time (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.47; P=.003) and daily step counts (SMD=0.58, 95% CI 0.33-0.83; P