Physical activity promotion through digital technology among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A scoping review

Objectives: Digital technologies in healthcare are rapidly advancing, and have the potential to enhance delivery across outpatient, inpatient, and community settings, thus ultimately improving healthcare practices. These technologies have been demonstrated to be among the safest alternatives to in-person visits for vulnerable or homebound people, thereby avoiding travel and facilitating healthcare-provider communication. This review was aimed at understanding the application of digital technology to promote physical activity and exercise in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A comprehensive scoping review method was followed, according to the six-step framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. A search was performed in six databases: Scopus, Embase, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, and the Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Seven studies were retrieved. Results: The search in the six databases returned 3252 records, only seven of which met the final selection criteria and were included in the review. All seven studies were conducted in high-income countries. Only one of the seven studies reported using a detailed exercise protocol. Conclusion: Digital technology using smartphones provides an effective and a feasible solution to deliver physical activity promotion programs to older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and can improve heath related outcomes.