Use of new technologies for the promotion of physical activity in patients with mental illness: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is an underutilized tool for the management of mental disorders. New technologies have made a breakthrough in health care, and one of its possible applications (apps) could be that of customizing exercise programs for special populations, such as patients with mental disorders. However, the app of the so-called e-health to mental health care is still limited. AIM: To know the efficacy of apps to promote physical activity in patients with mental disorders. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the PubMed and Embase databases with the aim of exploring the use of new technologies for the enhancement of physical exercise in patients with a psychiatric illness. Following the selection process, 10 articles were included in the review. RESULTS: The most commonly used devices in this type of intervention are wearable devices and web platforms. Good results in terms of effectiveness and acceptability were obtained in most of the studies. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the use of new technologies in mental health represents a feasible strategy with great potential in clinical practice.