Researchers undertook a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of 116 studies to assess how effective physical activity promotion interventions are for healthy adults, as well as the elements that contribute to their effectiveness. Their results indicated only slight positive impacts from these interventions, which highlights the necessity for enhancements in these programs. They pinpointed both potentially effective and counterproductive components of these interventions.
Insufficient physical activity is a significant public health concern, linking to increased risks of mortality, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Encouraging more physical activity among adults of working age, who make up about 65% of the overall population, is anticipated to bolster health and potentially prevent diseases earlier on. A variety of intervention studies aimed at raising physical activity levels have been executed. This research systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed available studies on the effectiveness of interventions designed to promote physical activity among healthy adults.
In this analysis, the researchers specifically assessed the effectiveness of intervention components using the behavior change techniques taxonomy, a well-established and standardized system for categorizing the methods employed in behavior-altering interventions.
The study considered a total of 116 randomized controlled trials focused on physical activity, targeting healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years, sourced from two literature databases (PubMed and Ichushi Web), and published up until May 31, 2024. The findings from the meta-analysis indicated that the effectiveness of these physical activity promotion interventions was minimal, underscoring the need for better intervention strategies. The meta-regression analysis highlighted that incorporating “review behavior goal(s)” emerged as an effective intervention component within the behavior change techniques assessed. Furthermore, the analysis identified several components that could either positively or negatively affect the outcomes of the interventions.
Creating more effective intervention programs by integrating the beneficial and counterproductive components identified in this study’s meta-regression analysis may result in more successful methods for encouraging physical activity.
This study received funding from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare Program, grant number JPMH20FA1006.
