A core outcome set for randomised controlled trials of physical activity interventions: development and challenges

Area of Science:

• Public Health Research
• Clinical Trial Methodology
• Physical Activity Promotion

Background:

• Core outcome sets standardize outcome collection in clinical trials.
• Their application in public health research has been limited.
• This study addresses the need for a core outcome set in physical activity trials for adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standardized core outcome set for public health trials.
• Focus on interventions promoting physical activity in the general adult population.

Main Methods:

• A three-stage approach was employed.
• Stage one involved a literature review to identify outcome domains.
• Stages two and three utilized Delphi surveys to achieve consensus on outcome inclusion and measurement.

Main Results:

• A classification of 13 physical activity outcome domains was developed.
• Consensus was reached on including 'device-based level of physical activity' and 'health-related quality of life'.
• Accelerometers and the EQ-5D were identified as preferred measurement tools.

Conclusions:

• Progress was made in developing a core outcome set for physical activity trials.
• Limited consensus on certain domains and challenges with device-based data complexity were noted.
• The need for trial-specific outcomes impacted consensus.