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 .
Our review suggests that physical activity interventions have a moderate effect on self reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness , but not on achieving a predetermined level of physical activity .
Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the studies , only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of individual components of the interventions .
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effectiveness of strategies to enable people to achieve an increase in their physical activity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for promoting physical activity in adults aged 16 years and older , not living in an institution .
Harnessing motivational forces in the promotion of physical activity: the Community Health Advice by Telephone (CHAT) project.
Physical inactivity among middle- and older-aged adults is pervasive , and is linked with numerous chronic conditions that diminish health and functioning . Counselor-directed physical activity programs may enhance extrinsic motivation ( reflected in social influence theories , such as self-presentation theory ) and , in turn , physical activity adherence , while the counselor is in charge of program delivery . However , external influences can undermine intrinsic motivation , making it more difficult to maintain physical activity once counselor-initiated contact ends . In contrast , programs that diminish the socially evaluative and controlling aspects of the counseling interchange may promote intrinsic motivation ( described in cognitive evaluation theory ) , and , thus , physical activity maintenance , even when counselor-initiated contact ceases . The objective of the Community Health Advice by Telephone ( CHAT ) project is to compare these two theories by conducting a r and omized controlled trial evaluating the effects of a telephone-administered counseling program delivered by a person ( social influence enhancement ) or computer ( cognitive evaluation enhancement ) on physical activity adoption and maintenance over 18 months . Healthy , sedentary adults ( n = 225 ) aged 55 years and older are r and omized to one of these programs or to a control arm . This study will contribute to advancing motivational theory as well as provide information on the sustained effectiveness of interventions with substantial public health applicability
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 .
Our review suggests that physical activity interventions have a moderate effect on self reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness , but not on achieving a predetermined level of physical activity .
Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the studies , only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of individual components of the interventions .
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effectiveness of strategies to enable people to achieve an increase in their physical activity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for promoting physical activity in adults aged 16 years and older , not living in an institution .