AI and chatbot-supported interventions for pediatric physical activity and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors show mixed effectiveness, with 4 of 8 studies reporting significant improvements in physical activity or fitness outcomes.
This scoping review of 14 studies found that AI-enabled chatbot interventions for pediatric physical activity and obesity-related behaviors are a rapidly emerging field, with most studies published since 2023. Among 8 studies reporting direct physical activity or fitness outcomes, 4 showed significant improvement, 2 found no significant change, and 2 reported mixed or indirect findings. Family involvement was present in 71.4% of studies, and feasibility and acceptability were generally favorable.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. AI and Chatbot-Supported Interventions for Physical Activity and Obesity-Related Lifestyle Behaviors: Scoping Review With Attention to Family Involvement.
observationalJiang Q, Chen XS, Patel D, Brazendale K, Alejandro S · JMIR pediatrics and parenting (2026)
Result: This scoping review of 14 studies found that AI-enabled chatbot interventions for pediatric physical activity and obesity-related behaviors are a rapidly emerging field, with most studies published since 2023. Among 8 studies reporting direct physical activity or fitness outcomes, 4 showed significant improvement, 2 found no significant change, and 2 reported mixed or indirect findings. Family involvement was present in 71.4% of studies, and feasibility and acceptability were generally favorable.
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠Only 14 studies met inclusion criteria, indicating a limited evidence base
- ⚠Cultural tailoring was reported in only one study, limiting generalizability
- ⚠Family involvement varied considerably and was not clearly conceptualized or evaluated
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective are AI chatbots for improving physical activity in children?▼
Evidence is mixed: among 8 studies reporting direct physical activity or fitness outcomes, 4 showed significant improvement, 2 found no significant change, and 2 reported mixed or indirect findings.
What types of AI approaches are used in these interventions?▼
AI approaches included rule-based chatbots, hybrid personalization systems, generative AI, and single studies using recommender systems or computer vision.
Do these interventions involve parents or families?▼
Yes, 10 out of 14 studies (71.4%) included a specific parent, caregiver, or family component, though the extent of involvement varied considerably.
What are the common features of these chatbot interventions?▼
Common features included personalized feedback (71.4% of studies), self-monitoring (64.3%), and education (64.3%), with mobile app delivery being the most common platform (64.3%).
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References
- 1.Jiang Q, Chen XS, Patel D, Brazendale K, Alejandro S. "AI and Chatbot-Supported Interventions for Physical Activity and Obesity-Related Lifestyle Behaviors: Scoping Review With Attention to Family Involvement.." JMIR pediatrics and parenting, 2026. PMID: 42497365 DOI: 10.2196/98889