The Effectiveness of Digital Tools in Physical Activity Interventions for Individuals With Severe Mental Illness: A Scoping Review

Authors

Shannon Aisling Forde, Department of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies, Munster Technological University, Cork, IrelandFollow
Tara Coppinger, Department of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies, Munster Technological University, Cork, IrelandFollow
Susan Rea, Nimbus Research Centre, Munster Technological University, Cork, IrelandFollow
Sinéad Hanrahan, Library, Munster Technological University, Cork, IrelandFollow

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4358-4240

Document Type

Article

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Disciplines

Mental and Social Health | Rehabilitation and Therapy

Publication Details

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1–22. © 2025 the Author(s).

Abstract

Purpose: Severe mental illness (SMi) encompasses a mental, behavioural, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits an individual’s life activities. SMi can include disorders such as personality, psychotic, bipolar and major depression. incorporating physical activity (PA) into the daily lives of individuals with SMi offers increasing health benefits. Despite the acknowledged benefits of PA, there are barriers to engagement and participation rates remain low. Digital tools in PA interventions are rapidly increasing amongst this cohort and can mitigate these barriers. However, the broader implications of how a digital PA intervention can impact this cohort and act as a long-term solution are often overlooked.

Materials and Methods: Seven databases were searched. A search string was developed around three categories: enduring Mental illness, Digital tools, and Physical Activity. Full-text screening was performed, and quality checks were completed. Articles selected for review were exported as a list into Microsoft excel. 24 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion.

Results: 14 studies found an increase in PA. walking was the most common form of PA. the most frequently utilised digital tool was an accelerometer. Group PA was more frequent than individual PA. Many studies used supervision within the intervention. Outcomes varied across studies.

Conclusion: Digital PA interventions vary in design and show promise in increasing PA amongst the cohort. However, further research is needed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of digital tools and to incorporate different elements into the design of digital PA interventions, particularly for a long-term solution.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• This review highlighted that the digital PA interventions varied in physical activities, intensities, approaches, and digital tools, showing promise in increasing physical activity among this cohort.

• Digital physical activity interventions were feasible and for individuals with SMi. However, there is a gap in a long-term digital physical activity approach.

• Researchers should consider the design elements of the digital-physical activity intervention; offering the SMi individual a choice of physical activities with varying intensities and group/individual options that can promote engagement.

• Supervision may be essential for enhancing participants’ confidence and understanding of digital tools. This can assist them in overcoming barriers and ensuring long-term digital confidence and engagement.

Recommended Citation

Forde, S. A., Coppinger, T., Rea, S., & Hanrahan, S. (2025). The effectiveness of digital tools in physical activity interventions for individuals with severe mental illness: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2508938