Barriers and facilitators to implementing community-based physical activity interventions: a qualitative systematic...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Implementation Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) interventions show efficacy in controlled settings but lack real-world community implementation evidence.
• Community-based PA interventions require understanding of implementation barriers and facilitators for successful translation.
• This review addresses the gap in knowledge regarding the practical application of PA interventions in community settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore barriers and facilitators affecting community-based physical activity intervention implementation.
• To identify and synthesize recommendations for improving the implementation of PA interventions in community settings.
• To provide evidence-based insights for enhancing the real-world effectiveness of PA programs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (EBSCOhost, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science).
• Inclusion of studies reporting qualitative data on implementation factors of community-based PA interventions.
• Data extraction and thematic synthesis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Main Results:

• 13 eligible studies were identified, utilizing mixed or qualitative methods.
• 82 implementation factors were identified: 37 barriers and 45 facilitators across 5 CFIR domains.
• Barriers were more prevalent in the 'inner setting' domain, while facilitators outweighed barriers in other domains.

Conclusions:

• Implementation strategies significantly impact the success of community PA interventions.
• Embedding strategies within an implementation plan can mitigate or reduce barriers.
• Enhancing individual self-efficacy and knowledge, alongside broader organizational involvement, is crucial for successful implementation.