Efficacy of tailored-print interventions to promote physical activity: a systematic review of randomised trials.

Camille E Short,Ronald C Plotnikoff,Erica L James,Afaf Girgis

doi:10.1186/1479-5868-8-113

Abstract

ObjectiveComputer-tailored physical activity interventions are becoming increasingly popular. Recent reviews have comprehensively synthesised published research on computer-tailored interventions delivered via interactive technology (e.g. web-based programs) but there is a paucity of synthesis for interventions delivered via traditional print-based media in the physical activity domain (i.e. tailored-print interventions). The current study provides a systematic review of the tailored-print literature, to identify key factors relating to efficacy in tailored-print physical activity interventions.MethodComputer-tailored print intervention studies published up until May 2010 were identified through a search of three databases: Medline, CINAHL, and Psycinfo; and by searching reference lists of relevant publications, hand searching journals and by reviewing publications lists of 11 key authors who have published in this field.ResultsThe search identified 12 interventions with evaluations reported in 26 publications. Seven out of the 12 identified studies reported positive intervention effects on physical activity behaviour, ranging from one month to 24 months post-baseline and 3 months to 18 months post-intervention. The majority of studies reporting positive intervention effects were theory-based interventions with multiple intervention contacts.ConclusionThere is preliminary evidence that tailored-print interventions are a promising approach to promoting physical activity in adult populations. Future research is needed to further identify key factors relating to efficacy and to determine if this approach is cost-effective and sustainable in the long-term.

Highlights

Participation in physical activity (PA) is well recognised as an important and modifiable determinant of both psychosocial and physiological health
There is preliminary evidence that tailored-print interventions are a promising approach to promoting physical activity in adult populations
A recent systematic review [15] examining the efficacy of these latter generation interventions reported that 14 out of 17 included interventions were efficacious in changing PA behaviour, but only 7 of these were more efficacious than the control condition

Summary

Introduction

Participation in physical activity (PA) is well recognised as an important and modifiable determinant of both psychosocial and physiological health. Second and third generation interventions have been put forth as more promising approaches due to the enhanced potential to provide real-time and interactive feedback to an infinite number of participants [13,21] Whether these benefits translate into enhanced efficacy is unclear. More intensive web-based interventions have been recommended, such as utilising prompts through other mediums and ensuring websites are continuously updated and contain dynamic and interactive material [15]. Whilst these interventions undoubtedly do hold great public health promise it seems premature to outcast first-generation print-based interventions at this point

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion