Determinants of change in physical activity in children and adolescents: A systematic review

Abstract

Context: Data are available on correlates of physical activity in children and adolescents, less is known about the determinants of change. This review aims to systematically review the published evidence regarding determinants of change in physical activity in children and adolescents. Evidence acquisition: Prospective quantitative studies investigating change in physical activity in children and adolescents aged 418 years were identified from seven databases (to November 2010): PubMed, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDdiscus, Embase, and Web of Knowledge. Study inclusion, quality assessment, and data extraction were independently validated by two researchers. Semi-quantitative results were stratified by age (49 years, 1013 years, and 1418 years). Evidence synthesis: Of the 46 studies that were included, 31 used self-reported physical activity; average methodologic quality was 3.2 (SD=1.2), scored 05. Of 62 potential determinants identified, 30 were studied more than three times and 14 reported consistent findings (66% of the reported associations were in the same direction). For children aged 49 years, girls reported larger declines than boys. Among those aged 1013 years, higher levels of previous physical activity and self-efficacy resulted in smaller declines. Among adolescents (aged 1418 years), higher perceived behavioral control, support for physical activity, and self-efficacy were associated with smaller declines in physical activity. Conclusions: Few of the variables studied were consistently associated with changes in physical activity, although some were similar to those identified in cross-sectional studies. The heterogeneity in study samples, exposure and outcome variables, and the reliance on self-reported physical activity limit conclusions and highlight the need for further research to inform development and targeting of interventions. © 2011 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.