Promoting Physical Activity Behavior: Interventions and Mediators

Abstract

In spite of the well-documented benefits of regular physical activity, participation rates have either remained stagnant at alarmingly low levels, or have declined. Most recent estimates suggest that relatively few adults engage in regular leisure-time activity at sufficient levels to reach public health guidelines. Additionally, there is a consistent decline in activity levels with age. In this chapter, we begin with a brief overview of the physical and psychological health benefits that have been reliably associated with regular physical activity. We then provide an overview of the main findings derived from several different approaches to influencing physical activity and include detail on some exemplar studies. Where meta-analytic data are available, we report overall effect sizes determined across studies. We then provide a brief summary of what is known in terms of the theoretical mediators of physical activity, intervention approaches reviewed, and conclude by highlighting important targets for future research.