Staying engaged: a scoping review of psychological and motivational drivers of adherence to technology-supported physical activity in older adults
Geelen, Sven J. G.; Kekäläinen, Tiia; Hassandra, Mary; Feyen, Karen; Arnadottir, Solveig A.; Shalom, Salit Bar; Netz, Yael; Portegijs, Erja; Beckwée, David (2025)
Avaa tiedosto
Lataukset:
Springer Nature
2025
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20251210116870
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20251210116870
Tiivistelmä
Background
As populations age, maintaining physical activity (PA) is essential to reduce chronic disease risk and
preserve functional independence in older adults. Technology-supported interventions, such as wearables, mobile applications, and web-based platforms, have emerged as effective tools to promote PA. However, engagement with technology alone is not sufficient. Effectiveness depends on whether digital tools foster sustained adherence to prescribed PA, since health benefits are dose-dependent on activity levels. In this sense, adherence matters not just for short-term participation but for embedding long-term behaviour change, an especially pressing challenge for older adults, who are typically less active and may experience greater barriers to digital engagement. This scoping review aimed to identify psychological and motivational factors that influence adherence to both the physical activity component and the supporting technology.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted across three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) for studies published between 2000 and March 2023. Fifty-three studies were included, encompassing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs. Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) were identified and categorised using the BCT Taxonomy v1, distinguishing between techniques delivered via technology and those delivered through human interaction. Data were synthesised, distinguishing between adherence to physical activity and adherence to technology use.
Results
Frequently used BCTs included self-monitoring, goal setting, action planning, feedback, prompts/cues, and social support, with different techniques emphasised in digital versus human-facilitated delivery modes. From the qualitative data, 417 psychological and motivational factors were identified and grouped into 25 thematic categories.
As populations age, maintaining physical activity (PA) is essential to reduce chronic disease risk and
preserve functional independence in older adults. Technology-supported interventions, such as wearables, mobile applications, and web-based platforms, have emerged as effective tools to promote PA. However, engagement with technology alone is not sufficient. Effectiveness depends on whether digital tools foster sustained adherence to prescribed PA, since health benefits are dose-dependent on activity levels. In this sense, adherence matters not just for short-term participation but for embedding long-term behaviour change, an especially pressing challenge for older adults, who are typically less active and may experience greater barriers to digital engagement. This scoping review aimed to identify psychological and motivational factors that influence adherence to both the physical activity component and the supporting technology.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted across three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) for studies published between 2000 and March 2023. Fifty-three studies were included, encompassing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs. Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) were identified and categorised using the BCT Taxonomy v1, distinguishing between techniques delivered via technology and those delivered through human interaction. Data were synthesised, distinguishing between adherence to physical activity and adherence to technology use.
Results
Frequently used BCTs included self-monitoring, goal setting, action planning, feedback, prompts/cues, and social support, with different techniques emphasised in digital versus human-facilitated delivery modes. From the qualitative data, 417 psychological and motivational factors were identified and grouped into 25 thematic categories.