In the newsletter

  • 👋 Welcome from SIG Chair
  • 📱 Call for nominations- Best publication award
  • 🎉 Featured article
  • ï»żđŸ“š Recent e- & mHealth Publications
Instagram  LinkedIn  X  YouTube

Welcome to Our March 2026 Newsletter


As we move further into 2026, our team continues to work diligently to share global updates in e‑ and mHealth and to support preparations for the upcoming ISBNPA 2026 conference in Cádiz, Spain. The year is already shaping up to be an exciting one for our community, with new collaborations, emerging research, and growing momentum across our SIG.


In this edition, you’ll find key information about the conference, including details on the nomination process for the best e/m‑Health Paper (2025) and an overview of the conference program. Cádiz—one of Europe’s sunniest and most historic coastal cities—offers an inspiring setting to step away from your desk, connect with colleagues, and explore the latest developments in digital health research. We look forward to meeting many of you there and continuing to strengthen our global network


Claire Gough, PhD, BSc

Chair, ISBNPA e-&mHealth SIG

Senior Research Fellow, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia

Join us in CĂĄdiz for ISBNPA 2026


The International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) warmly invites you to attend the 25th Annual Meeting, taking place May 27–30, 2026, in beautiful Cádiz, Spain.


📱 The conference Program is now online!

https://annualmeeting.isbnpa.org/program/



ï»żđŸ“ą Nominations for the best e- &mHealth paper


Have you published an award worthy e- & mHealth paper in 2025? Do you want to have your work recognised?


Nominate for the e & mHealth Best publication award now using the link below- nominations close on the 31st of March.


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem60yvCoTyNQaPdjC5yHJUNs4JaD9KA6dk6WPRVANkBGV_gw/viewform  


ï»żChildren and Families SIG Webinar: Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in advancing physical activity and nutrition research


Title: Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in advancing physical activity and nutrition research


When: March 17, 2026, 21:00 UTC


Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MASJN_-GQhOkais5F-GIaQ


Speakers:

Abi Pickard, University of Edinburgh, School of Health in Social Sciences,

Cindy Forbes, University of Hull, Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research,

Chelsea Kracht, University of Kansas, Department of Internal Medicine


Moderators:

Taniya Nagpal, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, SIG Chair

Alissa Burnett


Abstract

Join us for an engaging 1-hour webinar exploring the power of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in advancing physical activity and nutrition research among children and families. EMA offers an innovative way to capture real-time behaviors, contexts, and experiences as they unfold in everyday life—providing deeper, more accurate insights than ever before. The session will begin with an introduction to EMA methodology by Dr. Abi Pickard, who will outline the foundations, strengths, and practical considerations of using EMA in behavioral research. Building on this overview, Dr. Cindy Forbes and Dr. Chelsea Kracht will showcase how EMA is being applied in cutting-edge studies, highlighting practical examples, lessons learned, and implications for future research. Whether you’re new to EMA or looking to expand your methodological toolkit, this webinar will provide valuable insights and real-world applications you can take into your own work.


ï»żđŸ“ą Featured Article


📰 Systematic development and refinement of a user-centred evidence-based digital toolkit for supporting self-care in gestational diabetes mellitus


Maria Lua Nunes, Beatriz FĂ©lix, Francisco Nunes & InĂȘs Santos 

LINK TO FULL TEXT

Let's the first author of this article, recently published in Scientific Reports, and learn more about her interests:


Maria Lua Nunes

Maria Lua Nunes is a PhD student in Health Sciences and Technology (Nutrition branch) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, and at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS & Comprehensive Health Research Centre. With Master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Nutrition, she is passionate about how technology can meaningfully enhance behavioral nutrition. Her recent work with pregnant women with gestational diabetes and breast cancer survivors strengthened her commitment to designing digital tools that genuinely respond to patients’ needs. She began her PhD in January 2026, focusing on “Co‑Designing and Testing an Evidence‑Based Digital Toolkit for Managing Endometriosis Pain and Improving Quality of Life by Supporting Healthy Eating (EAT – Endometriosis Assistance Toolkit)”.


Key Findings

This study developed and refined the NUTRIA Toolkit, a user‑centred digital resource designed to support self‑care in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with a strong focus on behavioural and nutritional guidance. Using a mixed‑methods approach, including a literature review, observation of 66 nutrition appointments, interviews with 11 dietitians and 17 patients, and 2 co‑creation sessions with dietitians, the team identified the real-world challenges women face when managing GDM. The final Toolkit includes four modules and 38 artefacts that provide educational content, behavioural tools, and practical guidance for self‑monitoring and glycemic management. Healthcare professionals validated the Toolkit, reinforcing its relevance and potential for future feasibility and trial testing.

 

How the Idea Emerged

The original project aimed to build an ultra‑personalized recommendation system of recipes for pregnant women with GDM. However, early interviews revealed a different reality: women were not asking for more personalization – they were asking for clarity, education, and practical tools. They needed help understanding the basics of GDM management, from interpreting glycemia results to knowing how to act on them. This shift in understanding redirected the project toward developing an evidence‑based, educational, and enabling Toolkit.

 

What I Learned

This work taught me the importance of listening deeply to the people we design for. Technology becomes meaningful only when it aligns with users’ needs, preferences, and daily realities. This insight continues to guide my research, reinforcing my commitment to co‑design and to creating digital health tools with high acceptability and real-world impact.

Recent e-&mHealth Publications


Management of Chronic Diseases and Lifestyle

  • Chen, C., Feng, J., Cai, B., & Qian, Y. (2026). Impact of patient empowerment on continuity of care needs in patients with stable COPD: the mediating role of eHealth literacy in a cross-sectional study from China. BMJ open, 16(1), e098383.
  • Wang, W., Grundy, J., Khalajzadeh, H., Madugalla, A., & Obie, H. O. (2026). Designing adaptive user interfaces for mHealth applications targeting chronic disease: a user-centered approach. ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology, 35(2), 1-57.
  • Al Mahmud, A., Joachim, S., Jayaraman, P. P., Learmonth, C., Tyagi, S., Forkan, A. R. M., ... & Trainer, A. (2026). Digital Health Interventions to Support Chronic Disease Management: Systematic Scoping Review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 14, e63742.
  • Sun, F., Du, Y., Teng, H., & Guo, Y. (2026). Association Between mHealth Apps Usage and Well‐Being Among Community‐Based Older Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Serial of Multiple Mediation Models. Psychogeriatrics, 26(1), e70132.
  • Seghieri, C., Feldens, T., TortĂč, C., Usheva, N., Toti, F., Doracaj, D., ... & Manios, Y. (2026). Tailoring mobile health apps for lifestyle management: a discrete choice experiment. mHealth, 12.


Diet Interventions

  • Zheng, S., Castro, O., Mair, J. L., Jabir, A. I., Tan, S. Y. X., Shenoi, A., ... & MĂŒller-Riemenschneider, F. (2026). Feasibility of the “LvL UP” trial: a pilot sequential multiple assignment randomised trial of an adaptive, holistic mHealth lifestyle coaching intervention. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
  • Zhou, Q., Jiang, J., Yin, Z., & Fan, R. (2026). Effect of Digital Health Interventions on College Students’ Lifestyle Behaviors: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 28, e82192.
  • Zhang, P., Li, Y., Li, Y., Luo, R., Guo, H., Li, L., ... & He, F. J. (2026). Scalability of mHealth-based school health education for salt reduction: A synthesis of trial and real-world data. Public Health, 250, 106057.


ï»żPhysical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Interventions

  • Fiedler, J., Wunsch, K., Hubenschmid, S., Reiterer, H., Renner, B., & Woll, A. (2025). A Refined Mobile Health Intervention (SMARTFAMILY2. 0) to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Eating in a Family Setting: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 13, e65558.
  • Phillips, S. M., Bourke, M., Inniss, B. V., Ahluwalia, M., & Tucker, P. (2026). A pilot effectiveness study of a just-in-time micro-randomized controlled trial on the physical activity and sedentary time of young children and their parents: The active family m-health intervention. PLoS One, 21(1), e0340687.
  • Simoes, M. D. S. M. P., Proença, N. L., Lauria, V. T., do Nascimento, M. B., Padovani, R. D. C., & Dourado, V. Z. (2026). Effects of Using a Smartphone App Combined With Behavior Change Techniques on the Level of Physical Activity Among Adults and Older Adults: Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 28, e73388

ï»ż

Children and adolescents

  • Baumann H, Singh B, Amanda SE, Gough C, Ahmed M, Fiedler J, Wunsch K, Button A, Yin Z, Vasiloglou M, Sivakumar B. Effectiveness of mHealth interventions targeting physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep or nutrition on emotional, behavioural and eating disorders in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Digital Health. 2025 Jul 21;7:1593677.
  • Singh B, Ahmed M, Staiano AE, Vasiloglou MF, Gough C, Petersen JM, Yin Z, Vandelanotte C, Kracht C, Fiedler J, Timm I. Lifestyle eHealth and mHealth Interventions for Children and Adolescents: Systematic Umbrella Review and Meta–Meta-Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2025 Oct 17;27:e69065.
  • Miskin, S. A., V, H., Naaz, N., & Alva, R. (2026). m-Health-based exercise program among children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease: a feasibility study. Pediatric Nephrology, 1-10.
  • Kassari, P., Manou, M., & Charmandari, E. (2026). The Effectiveness of Novel E-health Applications in the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity. Hormone Research in Paediatrics.


Don't see your recent publication listed? Let us know! Email: emhsig.isbnpa@gmail.com

Stay up to date: Follow us!


ï»żKeep up to date on recent e- & mHealth publications and happenings within the SIG by following us on our various platforms. We can now be found on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and Bluesky


X/Twitter: @ISBNPA_emh 

LinkedIn: ISBNPA e- & mhealth SIG

Bluesky: isbnpa-emh.bsky.social


Feel free to tag us and we will try to share your publication as well!!

Spread the Word!

Encourage your colleagues to sign up for our SIG newsletter! 

You or your colleagues can join this mailing list by updating your membership profile and adding the SIG to your preferences; or by sending an email to executivedirector@isbnpa.org. Click here for more details.

2025 SIG Committee Members

  • Chair: Claire Gough (Australia) 
  • Immediate Past Chair: Amanda Staiano (USA)
  • Secretary: Vacant
  • Social Media: Irina Timm (Germany), Katie Spring (USA), Xin Chen (USA), Maria Lua Nunes, (Portugal)
  • Newsletter: Jasmine Petersen (Australia), Ben Singh (Australia), Hannes Baumann (Germany), Janis Fiedler (Germany),
  • Events/Awards: Maria Vasiloglou (Switzerland), Joan Dallinga (Netherlands), Shariwa Oke (USA)
  • Membership: Zenong Yin (USA)
  • Past Chairs: Mavra Ahmed (Canada), Andre Muller (Singapore), Camille Short (Australia)
  • Fellows: Carol Maher (Australia), Corneel Vandelanotte (Australia)

International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity | www.isbnpa.org 1300 S. 2nd St Suite 300 | Minneapolis, MN 55454 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact