DE-PASS Best Evidence Statement (BESt): modifiable determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents aged 5–19 years–a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khudair Mohammed , Marcuzzi Anna , Ng Kwok , Tempest Gavin Daniel , Bartoš František , Peric Ratko , Maier Maximilian , Beccia Flavia , Boccia Stefania , Brandes Mirko , Cardon Greet , Carlin Angela , Castagna Carolina , Chaabene Helmi , Chalkley Anna , Ciaccioni Simone , Cieślińska-Świder Joanna , Čingienė Vilma , Cortis Cristina , Corvino Chiara , de Geus Eco JC , Di Baldassarre Angela , Di Credico Andrea , Drid Patrik , Fernández Tarazaga Rosa Ma , Gallè Francesca , García Sánchez Esther , Gebremariam Mekdes , Ghinassi Barbara , Goudas Marios , Hayes Grainne , Honorio Samuel , Izzicupo Pascal , Jahre Henriette , Jelsma Judith , Juric Petra , Kolovelonis Athanasios , Kongsvold Atle , Kouidi Evangelia , Mansergh Fiona , Masanovic Bojan , Mekonnen Teferi , Mork Paul Jarle , Murphy Marie , O’Hara Kelly , Torun Ayse Ozbil , Palumbo Federico , Popovic Stevo , Prieske Olaf , Puharic Zrinka , Ribeiro José Carlos , Rumbold Penny Louise Sheena , Sandu Petru , Sorić Maroje , Stavnsbo Mette , Syrmpas Ioannis , van der Ploeg Hidde P , Van Hoye Aurélie , Vilela Sofia , Woods Catherine , Wunsch Kathrin , Capranica Laura , MacDonncha Ciaran , Ling Fiona Chun Man 
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Physical activity among children and adolescents remains insufficient, despite the substantial efforts made by researchers and policymakers. Identifying and furthering our understanding of potential modifiable determinants of physical activity behaviour (PAB) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is crucial for the development of interventions that promote a shift from SB to PAB. The current protocol details the process through which a series of systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses (MAs) will be conducted to produce a best-evidence statement (BESt) and inform policymakers. The overall aim is to identify modifiable determinants that are associated with changes in PAB and SB in children and adolescents (aged 5–19 years) and to quantify their effect on, or association with, PAB/SB.

Methods and analysis

A search will be performed in MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Web of Science, PsychINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials (CTs) that investigate the effect of interventions on PAB/SB and longitudinal studies that investigate the associations between modifiable determinants and PAB/SB at multiple time points will be sought. Risk of bias assessments will be performed using adapted versions of Cochrane’s RoB V.2.0 and ROBINS-I tools for RCTs and CTs, respectively, and an adapted version of the National Institute of Health’s tool for longitudinal studies. Data will be synthesised narratively and, where possible, MAs will be performed using frequentist and Bayesian statistics. Modifiable determinants will be discussed considering the settings in which they were investigated and the PAB/SB measurement methods used.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is needed as no primary data will be collected. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences where possible. The BESt will also be shared with policy makers within the DE-PASS consortium in the first instance.

Systematic review registration

CRD42021282874.