Research
Adherence
Physical activity interventions that combine self-directed activity with professional guidance and ongoing support produce moderate, statistically significant improvements in self-reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness in adults.
To successfully increase your physical activity, do not rely on a single piece of advice or a one-time class. Instead, choose activities you enjoy (self-directed) but ensure you have a professional or coach to guide your choices and check in with you regularly over at least six months. This combination of autonomy and support is proven to work best.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
The effect of interventions on self-reported physical activity (19 studies; 7598 participants) was positive and moderate (pooled SMD random effects model 0.28 95% CI 0.15 to 0.41) as was the effect of interventions (11 studies; 2195 participants) on cardio-respiratory fitness (pooled SMD random effects model 0.52 95% CI 0.14 to 0.90)... The heterogeneity in reported effects was reduced in higher quality studies, when physical activity was self-directed with some professional guidance and when there was on-going professional support.
Why this rating
Based on a Cochrane systematic review of 29 RCTs with over 7,500 participants, though heterogeneity was noted.
Source
Interventions for promoting physical activity
Charlie Foster et al. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2005
Meta-analysis · 29 studiesCited 670×
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