mHealth interventions targeting health behaviours in young people with neurodevelopmental disabilities and functional support needs: a systematic review.

Purpose: Young people with neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND) and functional support needs (FSN) present low physical activity (PA), high sedentary behaviour, and poor dietary patterns. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies may support lifestyle behaviour change; however, evidence remains fragmented. To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth interventions for improving PA, sedentary behaviour, and dietary outcomes in young people with ND and FSN. Materials and methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42024557182) identified studies involving participants aged 4-36 years with ND and documented FSN. Eligible interventions included mobile applications, wearable systems linked to smartphones, and telehealth approaches. Outcomes comprised PA, sedentary behaviour, dietary behaviours, and health indicators. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, ROBINS-I, or JBI tools.

Results

Fourteen studies (N = 278), including eight randomised controlled trials and six feasibility, mixed-methods, quasi-experimental, or single-case intervention studies, met the inclusion criteria. Interventions commonly incorporated human support, including caregiver, peer, or telehealth guidance. PA outcomes were most frequently assessed and generally showed favourable findings, including increases in daily steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), functional balance, and motor skills. Sedentary behaviour outcomes were assessed, with mixed findings. Dietary outcomes were reported in two studies, with one describing dietary intake improvements among highly engaged participants and another reductions in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, LDL cholesterol, and HbA1c.

Conclusions

mHealth interventions appear promising but remain an emerging approach for targeting lifestyle behaviours in young people with ND and FSN. Evidence remains preliminary and heterogeneous, highlighting the need for trials, standardised outcome measures, and transparent reporting of intervention components, support structures, and implementation procedures.