Abstract
BackgroundParticipation in group-based physical activity (GBPA) interventions has been found to result in higher levels of exercise adherence and program compliance. However, previous reviews of GBPA programs have provided limited insight regarding ‘for whom’, ‘under what conditions’, and ‘how’ these interventions increase physical activity behavior.MethodsA realist review was conducted by following the seven recommended iterative and overlapping steps (J Health Serv Res Policy 10S1:21-34, 2005). The review was limited to group dynamics-based interventions for adults (>17 years of age). The search was conducted in PubMed, PsychInfo, and Web of Science search engines associated with the Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, Arts & Humanities Citation Index, and MEDLINE.ResultsUsing a realist review approach, data from 52 studies were synthesized. Of those, 92 % (n = 48) reported significant increases in participant physical activity. The synthesis resulted in three main observations and recommendations.DiscussionGBPA interventions have worked for a variety of populations, including those who are hard to reach; however, more research is needed on moderating factors to determine for whom different GBPA programs may be effective. Second, previous interventions have varied in the duration, frequency, and number of group-based strategies used, and comparative effectiveness research may be necessary to isolate the mechanisms of effect. Third, these interventions have been conducted in a diverse range of settings, using a variety of research designs and analytical approaches. Less information is known about the costs or sustainability of these programs in their intended settings.ConclusionThe results of this realist review have important implications for practice, refining trial designs, and replication across diverse populations and settings.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2270-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Participation in group-based physical activity (GBPA) interventions has been found to result in higher levels of exercise adherence and program compliance
It is notable that the level of physical activity participation of care providers [41] and community health educators [27] has been related to their advocacy of the health behavior in others
All but four of the studies included in this review reported positive effects on these outcome behaviors, corroborating previous findings as to the consistent positive effect of group-based physical activity programs (e.g., [9, 18, 25])
Summary
Participation in group-based physical activity (GBPA) interventions has been found to result in higher levels of exercise adherence and program compliance. In order to increase physical activity participation across the lifespan, a wide array of intervention approaches have been employed One such approach is the use of group dynamics to improve. From a setting-level, previous group-based interventions targeting physical activity have been successfully delivered in worksites [57], faith-based organizations [38], and in the community at large [22]. Environmental factors such as accessibility, opportunities, and aesthetic attributes of the environment, as well as policies within said environment, significantly influence physical activity participation [7, 36]. The studies that include characteristics of those delivering the program remains low, making it difficult to discern who to recommend (and what characteristics they might possess) for the delivery of an intervention and how to best influence their decision to adopt a program
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