Informing the Physical Activity Evaluation Framework: A Scoping Review of Reviews

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Robust program evaluations are essential for identifying effective physical activity promotion strategies.
• Existing literature reviews on physical activity program evaluations need systematic mapping to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• A comprehensive understanding of current evaluation practices can guide improvements in public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically map and describe physical activity program evaluations published between January 2014 and July 2020.
• To analyze review articles to summarize key characteristics of the published literature on physical activity program evaluations.
• To identify opportunities for strengthening current evaluation methodologies in physical activity programs.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic search of six major databases (Medline, Scopus, Sportdiscus, Eric, PsycInfo, CINAHL).
• Screened abstracts for inclusion based on criteria: review article, English language, human subjects, primary prevention focus, physical activity evaluation, and North American context.
• Included 211 review articles from an initial search of 3193 articles.

Main Results:

• 72% of reviews did not assess or describe the use of evaluation frameworks or theories in primary articles.
• Process indicators (63.5%) were more common than outcome indicators (46.0%).
• Limited attention was given to participant characteristics (29.4%), negative consequences (9.3%), and program efficiency (13.7%).

Conclusions:

• Incorporating contextual factors, negative outcomes, and evaluation frameworks can enhance program evaluations.
• Measures of program sustainability are needed to strengthen the evidence base for physical activity programming.
• Improved evaluations will better inform policy and funding decisions for health promotion initiatives.