Feedback on post-exercise affect to promote subsequent physical activity: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Despite the documented health benefits, the UK population is inactive. One barrier may be the distal nature of many of the benefits of physical activity (PA) (e.g. weight loss). Raising awareness of the acute benefits of PA (increase in positive affect/mood), may promote behaviour change. A systematic review was undertaken to determine the evidence, feasibility and characteristics of interventions that aim to increase PA and include feedback on affect following a bout of PA. Methods: We searched 17 electronic databases. We included qualitative and quantitative studies exploring or aiming to promote PA in adults or which discussed the idea of, or an intervention that included providing feedback (information) about activity-contingent affect. Studies reporting a PA outcome or attitudes surrounding the association between PA and affect and if and how it influences PA were included. A narrative synthesis, with scope for a meta-analysis, is being conducted. Findings: Scoping indicates a large number of papers will be retrieved with few eligible papers. Eligible papers will likely consist of correlational and qualitative studies. Data extraction includes characteristics of interventions (including coding of Behaviour Change Techniques), physical activity outcome measures and results, and discussions of activity-contingent affect and its impact on PA. Discussion: Promising approaches to promoting PA via raising awareness of the acute mood benefits of PA will be presented. Such interventions could be delivered via Smartphones, reaching a substantial part of the adult population, and may significantly affect public health. Results will be combined with qualitative work, to inform app development.