Evaluating the quality and accuracy of online physical activity resources for individuals living with osteoporosis

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the quality and accuracy of online physical activity (PA) information for individuals living with osteoporosis. Using a systematic review protocol and guided by previous synthesis research, 57 websites were included in this study. Two independent coders evaluated each website by extracting data pertinent to descriptive characteristics, technical quality, and accuracy of PA information. While most websites presented information regarding aerobic (94.47%) and resistance (89.47%) PA, rarely was information presented consistent with public health recommendations for PA in older adults or recommendations advanced by Giangregorio et al. (2014). Considerably less information was devoted to balance or flexibility forms of activity. Most websites included information on the benefits (94.40%) and safety considerations (72.20%) for PA for individuals living with osteoporosis. Other cognitive or behavioral aspects linked to PA were less common features of coded websites. Greater attention to public health guidelines or evidence-informed recommendations when developing websites to encourage individuals living with osteoporosis to adopt PA is recommended.