Efficacy of theory-based interventions to promote physical activity. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Implementing theory-based interventions is an effective way to influence physical activity (PA) behaviour in the population. This meta-analysis aimed to (1) determine the global effect of theory-based randomised controlled trials dedicated to the promotion of PA among adults, (2) measure the actual efficacy of interventions against their theoretical objectives and (3) compare the efficacy of single- versus combined-theory interventions. A systematic search through databases and review articles was carried out. Our results show that theory-based interventions (k = 82) significantly impact the PA behaviour of participants (d = 0.31, 95% CI [0.24, 0.37]). While moderation analyses revealed no efficacy difference between theories, interventions based on a single theory (d = 0.35; 95% CI [0.26, 0.43]) reported a higher impact on PA behaviour than those based on a combination of theories (d = 0.21; 95% CI [0.11, 0.32]). In spite of the global positive effect of theory-based interventions on PA behaviour, further research is required to better identify the specificities, overlaps or complementarities of the components of interventions based on relevant theories.
a Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamics of Human Abilities and Health behaviours , University of Montpellier 1 and 3 , rue du Pr Henri Serre, Montpellier , F-34000 , France.|b Challenge for the Change of Behaviour (CCB) Group , Montpellier , France.|c Epidaure, Prevention Department of Institut Regional du Cancer de Montpellier , Montpellier , F-34298 , France.
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Gourlan
a Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamics of Human Abilities and Health behaviours , University of Montpellier 1 and 3 , rue du Pr Henri Serre, Montpellier , F-34000 , France.|b Challenge for the Change of Behaviour (CCB) Group , Montpellier , France.
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Bernard
a Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamics of Human Abilities and Health behaviours , University of Montpellier 1 and 3 , rue du Pr Henri Serre, Montpellier , F-34000 , France.|b Challenge for the Change of Behaviour (CCB) Group , Montpellier , France.
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Bortolon
a Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamics of Human Abilities and Health behaviours , University of Montpellier 1 and 3 , rue du Pr Henri Serre, Montpellier , F-34000 , France.|b Challenge for the Change of Behaviour (CCB) Group , Montpellier , France.|d Unit of Nutrition and Diabetes , University Hospital of Lapeyronie , Montpellier , F-34000 , France.
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Romain
a Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamics of Human Abilities and Health behaviours , University of Montpellier 1 and 3 , rue du Pr Henri Serre, Montpellier , F-34000 , France.|b Challenge for the Change of Behaviour (CCB) Group , Montpellier , France.|c Epidaure, Prevention Department of Institut Regional du Cancer de Montpellier , Montpellier , F-34298 , France.
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Lareyre
a Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamics of Human Abilities and Health behaviours , University of Montpellier 1 and 3 , rue du Pr Henri Serre, Montpellier , F-34000 , France.|b Challenge for the Change of Behaviour (CCB) Group , Montpellier , France.|e INSERM UMR 1027, Paul Sabatier University , F-31073 , Toulouse , France.
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Carayol
a Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamics of Human Abilities and Health behaviours , University of Montpellier 1 and 3 , rue du Pr Henri Serre, Montpellier , F-34000 , France.|b Challenge for the Change of Behaviour (CCB) Group , Montpellier , France.
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Ninot
a Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamics of Human Abilities and Health behaviours , University of Montpellier 1 and 3 , rue du Pr Henri Serre, Montpellier , F-34000 , France.|b Challenge for the Change of Behaviour (CCB) Group , Montpellier , France.
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Boiché
D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011582:Psychological Theory; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
behaviour change; exercise; interventions; meta-analysis; randomised controlled trials