Abstract
The emergence of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised awareness regarding the use of information derived from online interventions and associated with communication technology strategies capable of reducing infection risk. However, empirical information addressing the implementation of such online interventions to promote physical activity is still scarce, and no consensus on this issue has been reached so far. Here, we aim to introduce study cases with a special focus on application strategies and online coaching for target populations (e.g., children and older adults). We also discuss the future perspectives in this rapidly evolving field. This work is based on elements discussed at the symposium on “Exercise and Health” held by the Japanese Association of Exercise Epidemiology on September 20, 2022. The primary contents are as follows: 1) merit and demerit of online interventions; 2) overview of studies using web-based systems for monitoring physical activity and wearable devices; 3) a case study of online coaching at a university; 4) a case study for kindergarten children; and 5) a case study for older adults. We expect this work foster future epidemiology studies associated with online coaching and physical exercise education programs.
