Effectiveness of E‐Health Interventions on Improving Physical Activity in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aims

This study aimed to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of e-health interventions in improving physical activity and associated health outcomes during pregnancy, (2) compare the e-health functions employed across interventions and (3) systematically identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used and examine their interrelationships.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials were included. Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3. Social network analysis was conducted to determine the most central BCTs within the intervention landscape.

Data Sources

Ten databases were searched, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Scopus, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and the China Science and Technology Journal Database, from inception to April 22, 2024.

Results

Thirty-five studies were included. Pooled analyses indicated that e-health interventions significantly improved both total (SMD: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.27; I ² = 55%) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (SMD: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.26; I ² = 53%) in pregnant women. Subgroup analyses revealed that interventions based on theoretical frameworks and those not specifically targeting overweight or obese women demonstrated greater effectiveness. Additionally, e-health interventions were associated with significant reductions in both total and weekly gestational weight gain. Six of the twelve e-health functions were utilised, with ‘client education and behaviour change communication’ being the most prevalent. Thirty unique BCTs were identified; among them, ‘instruction on how to perform the behaviour’, ‘self-monitoring’, ‘problem solving’, and ‘goal setting’ showed the highest degree of interconnectedness.

Conclusion

E-health interventions are effective in enhancing physical activity and reducing gestational weight gain during pregnancy. Incorporating theoretical frameworks and well-integrated BCTs is recommended to optimise intervention outcomes.

Relevant to the Clinical Practice

Integrating e-health interventions into existing perinatal care models holds promise for enhancing physical activity among pregnant women and improving maternal health outcomes.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the PRISMA checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.

Trial Registration

The study protocol was preregistered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024518740)