How can interventions increase motivation for physical activity? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Motivation is crucial for health behavior change, particularly for physical activity.
• Existing interventions often aim to increase motivation, but effective strategies require identification.
• Key motivational constructs include intention, stage of change, and autonomous motivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze physical activity interventions.
• To identify specific intervention features, such as behavior change techniques (BCTs) and delivery modes, associated with improved motivational constructs.
• To explore the relationship between motivational changes and actual physical activity increases.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search identifying 89 intervention studies (N=19,212).
• Intervention descriptions coded for moderators including BCTs, delivery modes, and theory use.
• Random effects comparative subgroup analyses and meta-regression analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• 18 BCTs and 10 delivery modes were independently associated with changes in motivational outcomes (d=0.12 to 0.74).
• Face-to-face or gym-based interventions, and those using 'behavioral goal setting', 'self-monitoring (behavior)', or 'behavioral practice/rehearsal' showed significant benefits.
• Increases in intention and stage of change, but not autonomous motivation, were linked to increased physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Specific BCTs and delivery modes, particularly those emphasizing behavioral experience and self-regulation, enhance physical activity motivation.
• Intervention characteristics like goal setting and self-monitoring are effective for improving intention and stage of change.
• These findings provide a foundation for designing more effective physical activity interventions targeting motivation.