The role of self-efficacy in the initiation and maintenance of physical activity: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Self-efficacy is an important determinant of physical activity. However, how best to change self-efficacy to bring about the initiation and maintenance of physical activity remains unclear. The present review aimed to identify which specific and clusters of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) are included in the most effective interventions for initiating and maintaining changes in self-efficacy and physical activity. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis yielded 237 randomised trials aimed at changing self-efficacy for physical activity of adults. Intervention content was coded using the BCTv1 Taxonomy. Analyses examined which individual BCTs and which clusters of BCTs were associated with changes in self-efficacy and physical activity. Findings: BCTs most commonly used in interventions included: goal setting (behaviour), problem solving, action planning, self-monitoring of behaviour, and social support (unspecified). Many individual BCTs and clusters of BCTs were associated with outcomes in univariate analyses, although it was difficult to disentangle unique effects of specific BCTs due to clustering. Discussion: This review identified which individual and clusters of BCTs are likely to be effective at both initiating and maintaining physical activity changes.