New Technologies for Promoting Physical Activity in Healthy Children and in Children with Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Narrative Review

Physical activity (PA) is proven to benefit children and adolescents in several ways. New technologies may provide children with stimulating modalities for organizing their leisure time, accessing fitness programs, and obtaining daily goal reminders and peer support. Due to the current COVID-19 pand...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sustainability 2021-11, Vol.13 (21), p.11661
Main Authors: Malizia, Velia, Ferrante, Giuliana, Fasola, Salvatore, Montalbano, Laura, Cilluffo, Giovanna, La Grutta, Stefania
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applications programs
Children
COVID-19
Exercise
Lung diseases
New technology
Pediatric respiratory diseases
Physical activity
Psychological factors
Respiratory diseases
Smartphones
Social networks
Sustainability
Urban areas
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Summary:Physical activity (PA) is proven to benefit children and adolescents in several ways. New technologies may provide children with stimulating modalities for organizing their leisure time, accessing fitness programs, and obtaining daily goal reminders and peer support. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, following WHO recommendations for PA is difficult for many children, especially for those living in urban areas. Therefore, the use of digital tools to support and maintain PA could be useful in healthy children, as well as in those with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). This narrative review aims to summarize the most recent evidence about the role of new technologies in promoting PA in healthy children and in those with CRDs, in supporting PA during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in enhancing psychological wellbeing in this age group. The use of technological devices for promoting PA, such as web/mobile apps and games, has been proven to be effective both in healthy children and in those with CRDs. In conclusion, new technologies are very promising in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in promoting PA. Further studies are required to evaluate the long-term health benefits of using these technologies.
ISSN:2071-1050
2071-1050
DOI:10.3390/su132111661