Interventions and behaviour change techniques for improving physical activity level in working-age people...

The escalating prevalence of type 2 diabetes within the working-age population (18-60 years) imposes a substantial societal burden. Whilst physical activity is crucial for diabetes management, limited evidence exists to inform optimal strategies for promoting physical activity in this population. We aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of interventions for increasing physical activity in working-age adults with type 2 diabetes.

We searched Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP from inception to April 30, 2023. Randomised controlled trials that reported the effect of interventions (education, training or behavioural) to promote physical activity (either self-reported or objective) in people aged 18-60 years were included. Two independent reviewers conducted summary data extraction and quality assessment. Pairwise random-effects, Frequentist network meta-analyses, and subgroup analysis were used to obtain pooled effects.

A total of 52 trials were included in this systematic review. Compared to control group, the physical activity interventions demonstrated statistically significant effects on objectively measured physical activity (SMD 0.77, 95 % CI 0.27-1.27), self-reported physical activity (SMD 0.88, 95 % CI 0.40-1.35), and overall physical activity (SMD 0.82, 95 % CI 0.48-1.16); a statistically and clinically meaningful reduction on glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was also identified (MD -0.50 %, 95 % CI -0.66, -0.35). In terms of intervention types, education interventions exerted the largest effect on objectively measured physical activity; however, psychological interventions had the largest effects on overall physical activity compared to other intervention types. Four behaviour change techniques were related to statistically significant reduction in HbA1c: goal setting (outcome), information about health consequences, demonstration of the behaviour, and prompts/cues. Subgroup analysis showed that delivery mode, intervention setting, and facilitator were associated with statistically significant effect on physical activity and HbA1c.

Psychologically modelled education incorporating behaviour change techniques may be the most beneficial way to promote physical activity and glycaemic control in working-age adults with type 2 diabetes. Delivery mode, intervention setting, and facilitator type should be considered when designing interventions for improving physical activity level in working-age people with type 2 diabetes.