The effects of long-term physical activity interventions: Scoping review in the Nordic countries

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Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) is an important part of maintaining good overall health. Currently, the number of insufficiently physically active adults and children is alarmingly high worldwide. To tackle the challenge, several interventions have been conducted, however the current knowledge on the intervention effectiveness is still inconclusive. This scoping review aims to summarize the effects of long-term PA interventions across all age groups in the Nordic countries. Methods A scoping review was conducted by including all age groups and interventions lasting more than 12 months. The aims of the interventions had to focus on increasing PA and/or fitness. A framework of Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) was used to describe components of the intervention functions. Results Initially 1937 studies were identified. 12 intervention studies fulfilled inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. From the included studies seven focused on children and/or their parents and five on working-age adult populations. Most of the studies built upon theoretical backgrounds and included several Behaviour Change Functions. Hindering factors for synthesis were variations in measurement methods; both subjective and objective outcome measures were reported. Among all age groups, PA interventions had modest effects. Conclusions There was no clear evidence on the effects of the interventions in increasing PA or fitness in long-term interventions in communities. However, even small improvements in PA are important in increasing PA at population level and in enhancing public health. More research is required for evidence-based community and public health planning. Key messages Although intervention effects were modest, theoretical backgrounds were widely adapted in the PA interventions. Variations in the measurement methods hindered comparison of the study effects. Decreased PA is a current public health concern, which requires novel approaches to conduct health interventions.