How adults maintain physical activity: insights from 68 global studies
The review identified six key themes influencing physical activity maintenance in adults: influence of others, contextual and environmental influences, health-related influences, making it work, habits, and psychological factors.
We conducted a systematic review of 68 qualitative studies involving adults, exploring their experiences of maintaining physical activity. Data were drawn and synthesised from 1,651 participants 18 to 99 years, across diverse ethnic backgrounds.
This study has important implications for individuals trying to stay active, as well as for their support networks and professionals promoting physical activity in older adults. Interventions should target self-regulation, social support, habit formation, and help people identify as physically active by reflecting on the health benefits they experience.
What next?
Future interventions should explore how to promote flexibility, self-reflection, and identity-building around physical activity. Supporting people in recognising the long-term health benefits may help foster lasting behavioural change.
Citation details
Madigan CD, Grimmett C, Sweet SN, Daley AJ, Kettle VE, Phillips B and Graham HE. Understanding Adult’s Experiences and Perceptions of How to Maintain Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis. Int.J. Behav. Med. (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s12529-024-10335-w
Our researchers
