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A systematic review of intervention effects on potential mediators of children's physical activity
Helen Brown1, Clare Hume, Natalie Pearson
1School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. hbrown@deakin.edu.au
Insights
This review found that interventions targeting children's physical activity often positively impact cognitive/psychological mediators. Further research should statistically analyze mediating effects for more effective strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Previous reviews focused on physical activity outcomes, neglecting pathways to success.
- Understanding mediators is crucial for effective children's physical activity interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review intervention efficacy on physical activity mediators in 5-12 year olds.
- To quantify intervention effects on potential mediators where possible.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of intervention studies reporting mediator outcomes.
- Included original research articles published between 1985 and April 2012.
Main Results:
- Eighteen mediators identified across 31 studies.
- Positive effects found on cognitive/psychological (15/31) and social environmental (3/7) mediators.
- No effects reported on physical environment mediators.
Conclusions:
- Many studies show null effects on potential mediators.
- Statistical examination of mediating effects is vital for future intervention design.
- Identifying effective strategies requires understanding intervention pathways.
Background:
Many interventions aiming to increase children's physical activity have been developed and implemented in a variety of settings, and these interventions have previously been reviewed; however the focus of these reviews tends to be on the intervention effects on physical activity outcomes without consideration of the reasons and pathways leading to intervention success or otherwise.To systematically review the efficacy of physical activity interventions targeting 5-12 year old children on potential mediators and, where possible, to calculate the size of the intervention effect on the potential mediator.
Methods:
A systematic search identified intervention studies that reported outcomes on potential mediators of physical activity among 5-12 year old children. Original research articles published between 1985 and April 2012 were reviewed.
Results:
Eighteen potential mediators were identified from 31 studies. Positive effects on cognitive/psychological potential mediators were reported in 15 out of 31 studies. Positive effects on social environmental potential mediators were reported in three out of seven studies, and no effects on the physical environment were reported. Although no studies were identified that performed a mediating analysis, 33 positive intervention effects were found on targeted potential mediators (with effect sizes ranging from small to large) and 73% of the time a positive effect on the physical activity outcome was reported.
Conclusions:
Many studies have reported null intervention effects on potential mediators of children's physical activity; however, it is important that intervention studies statistically examine the mediating effects of interventions so the most effective strategies can be implemented in future programs.
