Meta-analysis of internet-delivered interventions to increase physical activity levels

Cally A Davies,W Kerry Mummery,Cristina M Caperchione,Corneel Vandelanotte,John C Spence

doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-52

Abstract

Many internet-delivered physical activity behaviour change programs have been developed and evaluated. However, further evidence is required to ascertain the overall effectiveness of such interventions. The objective of the present review was to evaluate the effectiveness of internet-delivered interventions to increase physical activity, whilst also examining the effect of intervention moderators. A systematic search strategy identified relevant studies published in the English-language from Pubmed, Proquest, Scopus, PsychINFO, CINHAL, and Sport Discuss (January 1990 – June 2011). Eligible studies were required to include an internet-delivered intervention, target an adult population, measure and target physical activity as an outcome variable, and include a comparison group that did not receive internet-delivered materials. Studies were coded independently by two investigators. Overall effect sizes were combined based on the fixed effect model. Homogeneity and subsequent exploratory moderator analysis was undertaken. A total of 34 articles were identified for inclusion. The overall mean effect of internet-delivered interventions on physical activity was d = 0.14 (p = 0.00). Fixed-effect analysis revealed significant heterogeneity across studies (Q = 73.75; p = 0.00). Moderating variables such as larger sample size, screening for baseline physical activity levels and the inclusion of educational components significantly increased intervention effectiveness. Results of the meta-analysis support the delivery of internet-delivered interventions in producing positive changes in physical activity, however effect sizes were small. The ability of internet-delivered interventions to produce meaningful change in long-term physical activity remains unclear.

Highlights

Estimates from the World Health Organisation [1] suggest that approximately 60% of the world’s population are classified as inactive or insufficiently active to receive health benefits
The main findings indicate that: a) short-term behaviour change is more often reported than long-term behaviour change; [2,7,8,9] b) specific intervention elements such as website components and interactive features need to be further evaluated and explored for their role in both short-and long-term behaviour change and increasing website usage [2,6,7], and, c) internet-delivered physical activity interventions are more effective than true control groups [6]
Studies were included if they met the following criteria: a) participants were ≥ 18 years of age; b) the main form of intervention delivery was via the internet with either the use of a web page for the delivery and/or exchange of information, or in the form of email communication; c) physical activity and sample size measures were reported for both intervention and comparison groups; d) studies comprised of an experimental design, such as a randomized or quasi-experimental design; e) studies included a non-internet comparison group; and f ) articles published in the English language

Summary

Introduction

Estimates from the World Health Organisation [1] suggest that approximately 60% of the world’s population are classified as inactive or insufficiently active to receive health benefits. The main findings indicate that: a) short-term behaviour change is more often reported than long-term behaviour change; [2,7,8,9] b) specific intervention elements such as website components (e.g., tailored content, theoretical design) and interactive features need to be further evaluated and explored for their role in both short-and long-term behaviour change and increasing website usage [2,6,7], and, c) internet-delivered physical activity interventions are more effective than true control groups [6] This meta-analysis expands upon what is currently known through comprehensively synthesizing the effect of internet interventions on physical activity levels and variations in physical activity outcomes due to potential moderating variables. These findings will be useful to determine the current standing of internet interventions and to identify future directions for these types of interventions

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion