Economically viable population-based interventions to promote physical activity behavior based on a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical inactivity poses significant public health and economic challenges.
• Effective population-based interventions are crucial for promoting physical activity.
• Evaluating the economic viability of these interventions is essential for resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the cost-effectiveness of population-based physical activity interventions.
• To identify interventions that successfully promote physical activity behavior using valid measurements.
• To synthesize findings on the economic impact of different physical activity promotion strategies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across five electronic databases in January 2021.
• Included studies were trial-based economic evaluations assessing physical activity interventions.
• Results on effect size and cost-effectiveness (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, ICER) were harmonized for comparison.

Main Results:

• Five studies were included, primarily focusing on print-based interventions.
• ICER values ranged from $0.15 to $4.14 per metabolic equivalent of task hour gained.
• Computer-tailored physical activity advice demonstrated the highest economic viability.

Conclusions:

• Few studies have demonstrated positive physical activity behavior effects alongside cost-effectiveness evaluations at the population level.
• Accurate cost calculations, high-quality physical activity measurement, and consideration of individual variations are needed for future research.
• Standardized methodologies are required for consistent and reliable cost-effectiveness assessments of physical activity interventions.