title: A Systematic Review of Rural, Theory-based Physical Activity Interventions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This systematic review synthesized the scientific literature on theory-based physical activity (PA) interventions in rural populations.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies with a rural study sample, PA as a primary outcome, use of a behavioral theory or model, randomized or quasi-experimental research design, and application at the primary and/or secondary level of prevention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. The Social Cognitive Theory (N = 14) and Transtheoretical Model (N = 10) were the most frequently identified theories; however, most intervention studies were informed by theory but lacked higher-level theoretical application and testing. Interventions largely took place in schools (N = 10) and with female-only samples (N = 8). Findings demonstrated that theory-based PA interventions are mostly successful at increasing PA in rural populations but require improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future studies should incorporate higher levels of theoretical application, and should explore adapting or developing rural-specific theories. Study designs should employ more rigorous research methods to decrease bias and increase validity of findings. Follow-up assessments to determine behavioral maintenance and/or intervention sustainability are warranted. Finally, funding agencies and journals are encouraged to adopt rural-urban commuting area codes as the standard for defining rural.
authors.affiliation: School of Education, Peru State College, Peru, NE;, Email: swalsh@peru.edu.
authors.forename: Shana M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Human Performance, & Recreation, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX.
authors.forename: M Renée Umstattd
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventative Medicine, John D. Bower School of Population Health, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, School of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, and Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS.
authors.forename: Abigail
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gamble
authors.affiliation: Director of Wellness, Baylor University, Waco, TX.
authors.forename: Megan S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.affiliation: Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Family & Community Medicine and Department of Epidemiology & Prevention, Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Justin B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012424:Rural Population; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology