Integrative Review of Nurse-delivered Community-Based Physical Activity Promotion

The purpose of this integrative review is to 1) describe intervention attributes, 2) describe the role of nurses in community PA promotion, and 3) describe the efficacy of the interventions in terms of PA behavior change.

Computerized database and ancestry search strategies located distinct intervention trials between 1990 and 2015.

Thirteen national and international studies with 2,353 participants were reviewed. Multi-dose, face-to-face, group-based interventions with or without individual-based contacts for 6months or less were the most common intervention delivery modes. Only 40% (n=5) of the studies integrated health behavior theory into intervention design. Less than half of the studies demonstrated efficacy in increasing PA.

Results suggest that group-based community interventions, such as exercise classes, group walking and group education/counseling, may be more effective in increasing PA compared to individual-based education. Additional rigorously designed studies are warranted to explore the indicators for successful community-based PA promotion.