A cumulative meta‐analysis of the effects of individual physical activity interventions targeting healthy adults

Abstract

SummaryDespite a large and increasing evidence base on physical activity interventions, the high rates of physical inactivity and associated chronic diseases are continuing to increase globally. The purpose of this cumulative meta‐analysis was to investigate the evolution of randomized controlled trial evidence of individual‐level physical activity interventions to asses if new trials are contributing novel evidence to the field. Through a two‐staged search process, primary studies examining the effects of interventions targeted at increasing physical activity within healthy adult populations were pooled and selected from eligible systematic reviews. Cumulative meta‐analyses were performed on effect sizes immediately post‐intervention (n = 62), and for long‐term behaviour change (≥12‐month post‐baseline; n = 27). Sufficiency and stability of the evidence was assessed through application of pre‐published indicators. Meta‐analyses suggest overall positive intervention effects on physical activity. The evidence base for effectiveness immediately post‐intervention reached levels of sufficiency and stability in 2007; and for long‐term follow‐up in 2011. In the time since, intervention effectiveness has not substantially changed, and further trials are unlikely to change the direction and magnitude of effect. Substantial evidence exists demonstrating that physical activity interventions can modify individual behaviour in controlled settings. Researchers are urged to shift focus towards investigating the optimization, implementation, sustainability and cost‐effectiveness of interventions.

Health-related quality of life and physical activity level after a behavior change program at Norwegian healthy life centers: a 15-month follow-up

“…Our study showed no long-term changes in HLC participants’ PA levels. Although previous controlled clinical trials of PA interventions have shown positive effects among healthy populations [ 56 ] and groups with specific conditions [ 57 , 58 ], implementing such programs into a real-life setting is challenging, and the knowledge about effective interventions within primary care to achieve long-term effects among high-risk groups remains unclear [ 12 , 59 ]. The HLC population comprises a heterogeneous group with multiple health challenges [ 22 , 50 , 51 , 60 ].…”

Can we walk away from cardiovascular disease risk or do we have to ‘huff and puff’? A cross-sectional compositional accelerometer data analysis among adults and older adults in the Copenhagen City Heart Study

“…Our results highlight the potential to prevent CVD among older adults by replacing sedentary behaviour with walking, and among both adults and older adults by replacing sedentary behaviour with HIPA. Since individual behavioural change is challenging [61], a systems-based approach to increase physical activity is increasingly recognised [7,62]. This can involve multi-disciplinary collaborations between researchers and stakeholders where research is designed and solutions created across different societal 'systems' (e.g., environment, policy-making and regulation, work-places, communities, health-care, education, etc.)…”

Physical activity on prescription in accordance with the Swedish model increases physical activity: a systematic review

“…Several attempts have been made to implement different types of exercise prescription models in different countries with varying results,7 and there is evidence that PA interventions may be useful for increasing PA in healthy adults 8…”