Journal of Health and Biomedical Informatics
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2026)
jhbmi 2026, 13(1): 24-40 |
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Hooshmand Moghadam B, Keshtidar M, Gholamian J, Talebpour M. Digital Transformation in Iranian Sports Clubs to Attract Older Adults: A Narrative Review and Conceptual Model Proposal. jhbmi 2026; 13 (1) :24-40
URL: http://jhbmi.ir/article-1-961-en.html
URL: http://jhbmi.ir/article-1-961-en.html
Professor, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract: (697 Views)
Introduction: Today, digital transformation in senior sports clubs—an innovative approach to enhancing physical activity and the physical health of older adults—has attracted global attention. However, in Iran a comprehensive conceptual framework for the optimal utilization and localization of digital technologies in these clubs has not yet been designed. The aim of this study was to provide a narrative review of exergames and wearable technologies, with an emphasis on local challenges, and to present a conceptual model for digital transformation in Iranian sports clubs to attract older adults.
Method: This study was designed as a structured narrative review employing an interdisciplinary approach. A systematic search of Persian and English sources published between 2010 and 2025 was conducted across reputable national and international databases. Keywords were selected with a focus on digital transformation, sports for older adults, wearable technologies, and sports clubs. Following screening and final assessment, 58 sources were selected for qualitative analysis and the synthesis of concepts.
Results: Findings indicated that the majority of reviewed studies associated exergames and wearable technologies with improved motor motivation, increased adherence to physical activity, enhanced monitoring of health indicators, and personalization of older adults’ exercise programs. Analysis of selected studies also identified the main barriers to digital transformation in Iran’s senior sports clubs as weak technological infrastructure, high costs of digital equipment, limited digital literacy among older adults, and lack of coherent national policy. Accordingly, the study’s proposed conceptual model delineated four key dimensions — infrastructure, technology, human resources, and policymaking — as the principal pillars of digital transformation for Iranian senior sports clubs.
Conclusion: The results of this review indicate that the success of digital transformation in Iranian senior sports clubs is not solely dependent on technology development; rather, it requires strengthening local infrastructure, enhancing older adults’ digital literacy, training specialized human resources, and formulating integrated national policies. The proposed conceptual model can serve as a practical framework for planning and developing technology-based senior sports clubs in Iran.
Method: This study was designed as a structured narrative review employing an interdisciplinary approach. A systematic search of Persian and English sources published between 2010 and 2025 was conducted across reputable national and international databases. Keywords were selected with a focus on digital transformation, sports for older adults, wearable technologies, and sports clubs. Following screening and final assessment, 58 sources were selected for qualitative analysis and the synthesis of concepts.
Results: Findings indicated that the majority of reviewed studies associated exergames and wearable technologies with improved motor motivation, increased adherence to physical activity, enhanced monitoring of health indicators, and personalization of older adults’ exercise programs. Analysis of selected studies also identified the main barriers to digital transformation in Iran’s senior sports clubs as weak technological infrastructure, high costs of digital equipment, limited digital literacy among older adults, and lack of coherent national policy. Accordingly, the study’s proposed conceptual model delineated four key dimensions — infrastructure, technology, human resources, and policymaking — as the principal pillars of digital transformation for Iranian senior sports clubs.
Conclusion: The results of this review indicate that the success of digital transformation in Iranian senior sports clubs is not solely dependent on technology development; rather, it requires strengthening local infrastructure, enhancing older adults’ digital literacy, training specialized human resources, and formulating integrated national policies. The proposed conceptual model can serve as a practical framework for planning and developing technology-based senior sports clubs in Iran.
Keywords: Digital transformation, Physical activity in older adults, E-sports, Wearable technologies, Sports clubs, Digital health, Iran
Type of Study: Narrative review articles |
Subject:
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Received: 2025/10/1 | Accepted: 2026/05/14
Received: 2025/10/1 | Accepted: 2026/05/14
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