Exploring sedentary behaviour reduction interventions in the primary healthcare setting: a scoping review

Excessive sitting time is a risk factor for many non-communicable diseases and an increased risk of early mortality. Primary healthcare is a viable setting to target population health behaviour change. This scoping review investigated the scope, implementation, and effectiveness of interventions targeting sedentary behaviour outcomes in adults within primary healthcare settings.

Four databases (Medline Complete, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO and Embase) were systematically searched from inception to October 2025. Eligible studies included those involving adult populations (≥ 18 years), conducted solely in primary healthcare, and aimed at modifying sedentary behaviour outcomes (e.g., sitting time).

From 4,941 records, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies (60%) targeted physical activity exclusively; one study (5%) included an intervention solely targeting sedentary behaviour, and seven studies (35%) targeted both physical activity increases and sedentary behaviour reduction. Interventions commonly utilised individual counselling sessions, behaviour change techniques (i.e., goal setting and action planning), and digital technology feedback (i.e., via Fitbit devices) to support change in individual movement behaviour. Across studies, 'Train and educate stakeholders' emerged as the dominant implementation strategy category (n = 13, 65%). Eleven studies (55%) reported at least one significant improvement in a sedentary behaviour outcome.

Few interventions have primarily targeted sedentary behaviour reduction within primary healthcare settings. Some interventions targeting changes in physical activity also resulted in sedentary behaviour reduction. Further research is required to understand if primary healthcare-based sedentary behaviour interventions can achieve and sustain meaningful reductions in sedentary behaviour among adults. Future interventions and their supporting implementation strategies should be designed to be practical, acceptable, and aligned with primary healthcare processes.