Developing and evaluating interventions to promote physical activity: issues in special settings and populations

Abstract

Rationale: The health benefits of physical activity have been clearly demonstrated. Developing effective interventions to promote regular physical activity is critical to public health. Effective interventions will: focus on a better understanding of the predictors of physical activity, use behavioural theory in intervention development, clearly specify intervention content, link theoretical constructs to intervention strategies, and tailor interventions to the needs of the target population. Aims: 1. To showcase, and share lessons learned from, research across Europe developing and evaluating physical activity interventions. 2. To identify key challenges encountered within physical activity research. 3. To highlight methodological considerations and future directions in physical activity research. Summary: Each speaker will present on research at a different stage of the intervention development/testing cycle. - Blathin Casey will describe a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise knowledge of modifiable psychosocial constructs associated with physical activity participation among people with Multiple Sclerosis. - Caragh Flannery will present a qualitative study, using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the COM-B model, to identify the enablers and barriers to physical activity in overweight and obese pregnant women. - Laura McGowan will present on a qualitative study exploring the acceptability of interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour among older adults. - Lisa Warner will present on research using multilevel modelling to explore the relationship between self-regulatory behaviour changes techniques (BCTs) and physical activity plan enactment among older adults. - Pedro Teixeira will present on the evaluation, through randomised controlled trial, of the EuroFIT project, to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary time in male football fans. He will focus on reporting theoretical constructs linked to the intervention strategies. - Finally, Molly Byrne will summarise key points, lessons and challenges across the presented research, and facilitate a discussion on methodological considerations and future directions.