A new meta-analysis published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that smartphone apps and wearable fitness trackers significantly boost physical activity among people with cardiovascular disease. The review of 14 clinical trials involving more than 1,000 adults showed that those using digital technologies walked nearly 1,100 more steps and engaged in about four extra minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day compared to those who did not use such tools.
Physical activity is crucial for preventing additional cardiovascular events, yet many patients face barriers to traditional cardiac rehabilitation, including time, distance, and cost. “Smartphones and wearables are already in people’s pockets and on their wrists,” said lead author Ajith Vemuri, Ph.D., a staff scientist in neurology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “When we show that these devices can effectively support routine care, we can start designing cost-effective, personalized digital interventions that reach a much wider population.”
The digital tools studied included features such as personalized daily step goals, reminders, motivational messages, progress feedback, and links to home-based rehabilitation programs. Some apps incorporated gamification, coaching, and goal review to help users track progress and adjust activity targets. “These devices are not just gadgets,” added senior author Ramin Zand, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of neurology and public health at Penn State College of Medicine. “When included in a treatment plan, they can support routine care and help patients take small yet important steps toward better cardiovascular health.”
The analysis, which drew from studies published between January 2000 and February 2025, included participants with diagnosed coronary heart disease, heart failure, or history of heart attack or stroke. While the increases in daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous activity were notable, the tools did not significantly improve peak oxygen consumption or walking distance. “Longer studies are needed to see if these changes lead to lasting improvement in fitness and overall health outcomes,” Zand noted.
The findings align with an April 2021 American Heart Association scientific statement on Harnessing Mobile Health Technology for Secondary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Older Adults, which highlighted mobile health’s potential to encourage lifestyle changes and medication adherence. Damon L. Swift, Ph.D., FAHA, immediate past-chair of the Association’s Lifestyle Physical Activity Committee, emphasized that “fewer than one-third of people with cardiovascular disease are physically active,” and combining wearable tech with standard preventive measures could reduce risk of advanced disease or recurrent events.
Limitations of the meta-analysis include a lack of data on long-term sustainability of healthy habits and a predominance of coronary heart disease patients, which may limit generalizability to all cardiovascular conditions. Nonetheless, the study suggests that even modest increases in activity—such as moving toward 7,000 steps per day—can reduce mortality risk. “There is a health benefit from going from inactive to somewhat active,” Swift said, “and wearable technology may have a positive impact by encouraging people to be a little more active.”
