Theoretical underpinnings of interventions that effectively promote physical activity in adult men

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review and qualitative content analysis was to investigate the theoretical underpinnings of interventions that effectively promote physical activity (PA) in adult males. This was done with a focus on gender-sensitivity and behavior change theory. In total, 26 studies, involving evaluations of 12 programs, were included. Out of these 12 programs, five overlapping intervention types could be distinguished. The results indicate that all programs mainly operate through actions and messages, while reducing the threats that traditional health care approaches pose to men’s masculine capital. Thereby, they are successful in recruiting a substantial number of men as participants even for settings or activities which are considered to have a feminine element to it. To initiate and maintain behavior change, most interventions refer to behavior change theory, but many of them lack theoretical purity. Instead, deliverers focus on well-defined and evidence-base behavior change techniques, which facilitate conscious and deliberate planning of engagement in PA. Nonconscious impulsive processes as well as operant conditioning are mostly ignored. This review in combination with a qualitative content analysis contributes to strengthening the theoretical foundation of future interventions meant to stimulate health-enhancing PA in adult men.