Behaviour change interventions to improve physical activity in adults: a systematic review of economic evaluations.

BACKGROUND: Behaviour change interventions can result in lasting improvements in physical activity (PA). A broad implementation of behaviour change interventions are likely to be associated with considerable additional costs, and the evidence is unclear whether they represent good value for money. The aim of this study was to investigate costs and cost-effectiveness of behaviour change interventions to increase PA in community-dwelling adults. METHODS: A search for trial-based economic evaluations investigating behaviour change interventions versus usual care or alternative intervention for adults living in the community was conducted (September 2023). Studies that reported intervention costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for PA or quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC-list). A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation style approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence (low, moderate or high certainty). RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included using a variety of economic perspectives. The behaviour change interventions were heterogeneous with 62% of interventions being informed by a theoretical framework. The median CHEC-list score was 15 (range 11 to 19). Median intervention cost was US$313 per person (range US$83 to US$1,298). In 75% of studies the interventions were reported as cost-effective for changes in PA (moderate certainty of evidence). For cost per QALY/gained, 45% of the interventions were found to be cost-effective (moderate certainty of evidence). No specific type of behaviour change intervention was found to be more effective. CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate certainty that behaviour change interventions are cost-effective approaches for increasing PA. The heterogeneity in economic perspectives, intervention costs and measurement should be considered when interpreting results. There is a need for increased clarity when reporting the functional components of behaviour change interventions, as well as the costs to implement them.

Embedded motivational interviewing combined with a smartphone application to increase physical activity in people with sub-acute low back pain: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Moderately vigorous physical activity (PA) may be beneficial for people with sub-acute low back pain (LBP), but may initially be painful for patients and challenging for physical therapists to facilitate. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated motivational interviewing (MI) delivered by physical therapists and a smartphone app for increasing PA in people with LBP. METHODS: A mixed methods cluster randomised controlled trial involving 46 adults with LBP in Melbourne, Australia. Participants attended weekly 30-min physical therapy consultations for 6 weeks. Experimental group physical therapists were taught to embed MI into consultations and patients were provided with a self-directed app. The primary outcome was accelerometer-derived moderately vigorous PA. Secondary outcomes were LBP disability (Oswestry Disability Index), functional capacity (Patient Specific Functional Scale), and self-efficacy (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire). Between-group differences were analysed by ANCOVA post-intervention. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental group and control group for PA. Between-group differences in LBP disability (MD= 19.4 units, 95% CI: 8.5, 30.3), functional capacity (primary MD= -4.1 units, 95% CI: -6.9, -1.3; average MD= -3.1, 95% CI: -4.9, -1.2) and self-efficacy (MD -11.3 units, 95%CI -20.2, -2.5) favoured the control group with small to moderate effect sizes. There were low levels of overall engagement with the app. CONCLUSION: The embedded MI intervention was no more beneficial than physical therapy alone for PA and was associated with poorer LBP disability, function, and self-efficacy. The effectiveness of embedding MI and a smartphone app into usual care for LBP was not supported.

A Mediterranean Diet and Walking Intervention to Reduce Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk in Independently Living Older Australians: The MedWalk Randomized Controlled Trial Experimental Protocol, Including COVID-19 Related Modifications and Baseline Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Several clinical trials have examined diet and physical activity lifestyle changes as mitigation strategies for risk factors linked to cognitive decline and dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. However, the ability to modify these behaviors longer term, to impact cognitive health has remained elusive. OBJECTIVE: The MedWalk trial's primary aim is to investigate whether longer-term adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and regular walking, delivered through motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy (MI-CBT), can reduce age-associated cognitive decline and other dementia risk factors in older, independently living individuals without cognitive impairment. METHODS: MedWalk, a one-year cluster-randomized controlled trial across two Australian states, recruited 60-90-year-old people from independent living retirement villages and the wider community. Participants were assigned to either the MedWalk intervention or a control group (maintaining their usual diet and physical activity). The primary outcome is 12-month change in visual memory and learning assessed from errors on the Paired Associates Learning Task of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Secondary outcomes include cognition, mood, cardiovascular function, biomarkers related to nutrient status and cognitive decline, MI-CBT effectiveness, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and health economic evaluation.Progress and Discussion:Although COVID-19 impacts over two years necessitated a reduced timeline and sample size, MedWalk retains sufficient power to address its aims and hypotheses. Baseline testing has been completed with 157 participants, who will be followed over 12 months. If successful, MedWalk will inform interventions that could substantially reduce dementia incidence and ameliorate cognitive decline in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTR 12620000978965 (https://www.anzctr.org.au).

Factors influencing adults who participate in a physical activity coaching intervention: a theoretically informed qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Behaviour change interventions targeting changes in physical activity (PA) can benefit by examining the underlying mechanisms that promote change. This study explored the use of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to code and contextualise the experiences of participants who completed a PA coaching intervention underpinned by motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural therapy. DESIGN: Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of participants. SETTING: Interviews were conducted in a tertiary hospital in regional Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen participants who completed a PA coaching intervention were interviewed. The participants were recruited into the coaching intervention because they were insufficiently physically active at the time of recruitment. RESULTS: Thirteen (72%) participants were women and the average age of participants was 54 (±5) years. Four participant themes mapped directly onto five components of the COM-B model, and ten of the TDF domains. Increases in PA were influenced by changes in motivation and psychological capability. The autonomy-supportive PA coaching intervention helped to evoke participants' own reasons (and motives) for change and influenced PA behaviours. Participants reflected on their own social and/or professional strengths, and used these skills to set appropriate PA goals and action plans. The structure of the PA coaching intervention provided clarity on session determinants and a framework from which to set an appropriate agenda. Relational components (eg, non-judgemental listening, collaboration) were continually highlighted as influential for change, and should be considered in future behaviour change intervention design. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the beneficial effect of using theory-informed behaviour change techniques, and delivering them in a style that promotes autonomy and relatedness. The views of participants should be a key consideration in the design and implementation of PA coaching interventions TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12619000036112. Post-results analysis.

Differences in Older Adults Walking Football Initiation and Maintenance Influences Across Respondent Characteristics: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Despite health benefits gained from physical activity and sport participation, older adults are less likely to be active. This study investigates what influences 50- to 75-year-olds (N = 439) to initiate and maintain walking football, across gender, socioeconomic status, number of health conditions, and physical activity level. It also considers relationships between participant characteristics and influences, and intentions to play after a forced break (COVID-19). Results of a U.K. online cross-sectional survey found those with two or more health conditions rated social influences significantly higher in initiation and maintenance than participants with no health conditions. Multiple regression analysis found a positive walking football culture, and perceived use of maintenance resources contributed significantly to intentions to return to play after COVID-19 restrictions eased. Practitioners should consider providing opportunities for social connection, foster a positive walking football culture, and encourage players to utilize maintenance resources (e.g., scheduling sessions) in older adult walking football sessions.

Enforced home-working under lockdown and its impact on employee wellbeing: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The Covid-19 pandemic precipitated a shift in the working practices of millions of people. Nearly half the British workforce (47%) reported to be working at home under lockdown in April 2020. This study investigated the impact of enforced home-working under lockdown on employee wellbeing via markers of stress, burnout, depressive symptoms, and sleep. Moderating effects of factors including age, gender, number of dependants, mental health status and work status were examined alongside work-related factors including work-life conflict and leadership quality. METHOD: Cross-sectional data were collected over a 12-week period from May to August 2020 using an online survey. Job-related and wellbeing factors were measured using items from the COPSOQIII. Stress, burnout, somatic stress, cognitive stress, and sleep trouble were tested together using MANOVA and MANCOVA to identify mediating effects. T-tests and one-way ANOVA identified differences in overall stress. Regression trees identified groups with highest and lowest levels of stress and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: 81% of respondents were working at home either full or part-time (n = 623, 62% female). Detrimental health impacts of home-working during lockdown were most acutely experienced by those with existing mental health conditions regardless of age, gender, or work status, and were exacerbated by working regular overtime. In those without mental health conditions, predictors of stress and depressive symptoms were being female, under 45 years, home-working part-time and two dependants, though men reported greater levels of work-life conflict. Place and pattern of work had a greater impact on women. Lower leadership quality was a significant predictor of stress and burnout for both men and women, and, for employees aged > 45 years, had significant impact on level of depressive symptoms experienced. CONCLUSIONS: Experience of home-working under lockdown varies amongst groups. Knowledge of these differences provide employers with tools to better manage employee wellbeing during periods of crisis. While personal factors are not controllable, the quality of leadership provided to employees, and the 'place and pattern' of work, can be actively managed to positive effect. Innovative flexible working practices will help to build greater workforce resilience.

Behaviour change practices in exercise referral schemes: developing realist programme theory of implementation.

BACKGROUND: Exercise Referral Schemes have been delivered worldwide in developed countries to augment physical activity levels in sedentary patients with a range of health issues, despite their utility being questioned. Understanding the implementation mechanisms of behaviour change practices is important to avoid inappropriate decommissioning and support future service planning. The aim of this study was to develop initial theories to understand what influences the behaviour change practices of Exercise Referral practitioners within the United Kingdom. METHODS: An eight-month focused ethnography was undertaken, to carry out the first phase of a realist evaluation, which included participant observation, interviews, document analysis, and reflexive journaling. A comprehensive implementation framework (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) was adopted providing an extensive menu of determinants. Mechanisms were categorised based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (within the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour model) providing an explanatory tool linking the levels of the framework. RESULTS: Three programme theories are proposed. Firstly, motivation and capability are influenced when behaviour change oriented planning and training are in place. Secondly, motivation is influenced if leadership is supportive of behaviour change practice. Lastly, integration between health professionals and practitioners will influence motivation and capability. The conditions necessary to influence motivation and capability include a person-centred climate, cognizant practitioners, and established communities of practice. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are the first to articulate the necessary elements for the implementation of behaviour change practices in Exercise Referral services. These results outline emerging theories about the conditions, resources, and explanations of behaviour change implementation that can inform service development.

Experiences and Strategies Influencing Older Adults to Continue Playing Walking Football.

Adults aged 55+ years are most likely to be inactive, despite research suggesting that older adults experience multiple benefits when participating in physical activity and sport. Limited research focuses on long-term continuation of sport participation in this population, especially in "adapted sports" like walking football. This study explored the experiences of walking football maintenance in 55- to 75-year-old players. Semistructured interviews were conducted, with 17 older adults maintaining walking football play over 6 months. The inductive analysis revealed five higher-order themes representing maintenance influences and two higher-order themes relating to maintenance mechanisms (i.e., the conscious process by which players maintain). Influences when maintaining walking football included individual- and culture-level influences (e.g., perceived benefits of maintenance and ability acceptance). Maintenance mechanisms included cognitions and behaviors (e.g., scheduling sessions and redefining physical activity expectations). Findings highlight novel implications for policy and practice, which are important to consider when delivering walking football to older adults.

Current Insights into Exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Chronic Heart Failure.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a package of lifestyle secondary prevention strategies designed for patients with coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure. A community-based cardiac rehabilitation programme provides patients with a structured exercise training intervention alongside educational support and psychological counselling. This review provides an update regarding the clinical benefits of community-based cardiac rehabilitation from a psycho-physiological perspective, and also focuses on the latest epidemiological evidence regarding potential survival benefits. Behaviour change is key to long-term adoption of a healthy and active lifestyle following a cardiac event. In order for lifestyle interventions such as structured exercise interventions to be adopted by patients, practitioners need to ensure that behaviour change programmes are mapped against patient's priorities and values, and adapted to their level of readiness and intention to engage with the target behaviour. We review the evidence regarding behaviour change strategies for cardiac patients and provide practitioners with the latest guidance. The 'dose' of exercise training delivered to patients attending exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is an important consideration because an improvement in peak oxygen uptake requires an adequate physiological stimulus to invoke positive physiological adaptation. We conclude by critically reviewing the latest evidence regarding exercise dose for cardiac patients including the role of traditional and more contemporary training interventions including high intensity interval training.

Embedded Motivational Interviewing combined with a smartphone app to increase physical activity in people with sub-acute low back pain: Study protocol of a cluster randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND: Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based, client-centred counselling technique that has been used effectively to increase physical activity, including for people with low back pain. One barrier to implementing Motivational Interviewing in health care settings more broadly is the extra treatment time with therapists. The aim of this paper is to describe the design of a cluster randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of an intervention that pairs Motivational Interviewing embedded into usual physiotherapy care with a specifically designed app to increase physical activity in people with sub-acute low back pain. METHODS: The study is a cluster randomised controlled in which patients aged over 18 years who have sub-acute low back pain (3-12 weeks duration) are recruited from four public hospital outpatient clinics. Based on the recruitment site, participants either receive usual physiotherapy care or the Motivational Interviewing intervention over 6 consecutive weekly outpatient sessions with a specifically designed app designed to facilitate participant-led physical activity behaviour change in between sessions. Outcome measures assessed at baseline and 7 weeks are: physical activity as measured by accelerometer (primary outcome), and pain-related activity restriction and pain self-efficacy (secondary outcomes). Postintervention interviews with physiotherapists and participants will be conducted as part of a process evaluation. DISCUSSION: This intervention, which comprises trained physiotherapists conducting conversations about increasing physical activity with their patients in a manner consistent with Motivational Interviewing as part of usual care combined with a specifically designed app, has potential to facilitate behaviour change with minimal extra therapist time.

Experiences Influencing Walking Football Initiation in 55- to 75-Year-Old Adults: A Qualitative Study.

Adults aged 55 and older are least likely to play sport. Despite research suggesting this population experiences physical and psychological benefits when doing so, limited research focuses on older adult sport initiation, especially in "adapted sports" such as walking football. The aim of this study was to explore initiation experiences of walking football players between 55 and 75 years old. Semistructured interviews took place with 17 older adults playing walking football for 6 months minimum (Mage = 64). Inductive analysis revealed six higher order themes representing preinitiation influences. Eight further higher order themes were found, relating to positive and negative experiences during initiation. Fundamental influences preinitiation included previous sporting experiences and values and perceptions. Emergent positive experiences during initiation included mental development and social connections. Findings highlight important individual and social influences when initiating walking football, which should be considered when encouraging 55- to 75-year-old adults to play adapted sport. Policy and practice recommendations are discussed.

Educating undergraduate occupational therapy and physiotherapy students in motivational interviewing: the student perspective.

BACKGROUND: Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidenced based talking therapy designed to affect client Health Behaviour Change. Previous research indicates that Allied Health Professionals (AHP) can effectively use the approach and training at pre-registration level has been piloted. However, student experiences of training is underexplored. AIM: To explore Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy students' experiences of training in and implementation of Motivational Interviewing. METHODS: Four focus groups including 24 undergraduates (14 OT and 10 PT) were conducted at the completion of the training and a subsequent clinical placement. Transcribed texts were analysed thematically. Data were triangulated with student written post-it notes and open questions in a post training questionnaire. RESULTS: Two overarching themes were developed from the data. Learning different ways to interact and the challenge of transformation illuminates specific aspects of the training which enabled learning as well as areas of contention. Using the spirit of MI, but not every contact counts highlights the facilitators and challenges of implementation on placements. CONCLUSIONS: Motivational interviewing is a useful addition to training neophyte health students. Key skills were adopted and in some cases transferred into practice. The process of learning indicates areas of potential improvement to enhance relevance of practice scenarios. The transfer to practice is more complex illustrating a need to negotiate professional and institutional expectations which should be considered in training.

Motivational interviewing training for physiotherapy and occupational therapy students: Effect on confidence, knowledge and skills.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a three-day training programme on knowledge, confidence and fidelity to Motivational Interviewing (MI) delivery in an undergraduate occupational therapy and physiotherapy cohort (n = 25). METHODS: Training outcomes were assessed pre-training, post-training and following a subsequent clinical placement. The Motivational Interviewing Knowledge and Attitudes Test (MIKAT) and an 8-item survey assessed knowledge, attitudes and confidence respectively. MI fidelity was evaluated by a simulated patient interview rated with the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity scale (MITI). Analysis was by one-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Self-report measurements indicated increased confidence but no effect on knowledge or attitude. MITI analysis showed superior performance in all four global criteria and an increased frequency of MI adherent behaviours post-training. Positive changes were maintained following clinical placement. MITI summary scores indicated an improvement in question to reflection ratio in line with beginner competency. CONCLUSION(S): Participation in a three-day MI training programme significantly improved student confidence and MI skilfulness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Where feasible, MI training should be embedded within the curriculum. Further research is needed elucidate the best practices to incorporate teaching this skill set within the curriculum in order to best prepare students to counsel clients in behaviour change in their applied settings.

Evaluation of a mental health liaison team. Part 2: the themes and their effect on practice.

Hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) are caring for increasing numbers of patients who present with underlying mental health issues. Managing these patients can be challenging for clinical staff who often lack the specialist knowledge and skills required to provide appropriate care. This article, part two of two on the evaluation of a newly formed mental health liaison team (MHLT) working in a general hospital, focuses on the perceptions and experiences of the MHLT participants, and explores three sub-themes derived from the interview data. The article considers the effect of these themes on practice, and the relationship between MHLT members and staff in EDs and the wider hospital.

Evaluation of a mental health liaison team. Part 1: background and literature review.

Hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) are caring for increasing numbers of patients who present with underlying mental health issues. Management of these patients can be challenging for clinical staff who often lack the specialist knowledge and skills required to provide appropriate care. In April 2015, a mental health liaison service was introduced in Rotherham Hospital as part of a two-year pilot scheme. The aim was to provide assessment and treatment of adults with mental health problems admitted to the hospital. An evaluation of the new service was undertaken to assess the effects of the service. This article, part one of two, reviews the literature, as well as outlining the background to, and method of, evaluation. Part two, which will be published in December, examines the themes revealed by analysis of the service participants' responses.

Effectiveness of training final-year undergraduate nutritionists in motivational interviewing.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a motivational interviewing (MI) training programme on trainee nutritionists. METHODS: A repeated measures design was applied to assess clinician behaviours in a 'helping' conversation. Participants were 32 nutrition students, assessed at baseline and one-month follow-up. RESULTS: The training significantly reduced the use of closed questions and MI non-adherent behaviours (MINA) (P for both=<0.001). Trainees significantly increased reflections, affirmations, summaries (P for all=<0.001) and the use of open questions (P=<0.013) which are all key indicators of MI beginner-competence. The talk-time ratio of the nutritionists also changed significantly, in favour of the client which serves as an indication of MI being used effectively. There were also significant increases in 'global' scores for empathy, direction, autonomy/support, collaboration and evocation. CONCLUSIONS: Newly trained nutritionists 1 month post-training have a consultation style which suggested positive outcomes for clients. The trainees' scores at the one month post-training assessment were verifiable as 'beginning proficiency'. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Behaviour change counselling skills for nutritionists were enhanced, at one month post-training. MI training workshops with video feedback enhances communication skills which are likely to lead to positive consultation-behaviour changes in the trainee nutritionists.

Sheffield Hallam Staff Wellness service: Four-year follow-up of the impact on health indicators.

AIMS: Alongside the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes has been an increase in interventions to reverse these ill-health trends. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal impact of the Sheffield Hallam University Staff Wellness Service on health indicators over a five-year period. METHODS: The Sheffield Hallam Staff Wellness Service was advertised to university employees. Of 2651 employees who have attended the service, 427 respondents (male = 162, female = 265) aged 49.86 ± 12.26 years attended for five years (4 years follow-up). Each year, participants were assessed on a range of health measures (i.e. cardio-respiratory fitness, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, lung function and percentage body fat). Participants also received lifestyle advice (based on motivational interviewing) as part of the intervention to either improve, or in some cases maintain, their current health behaviours (e.g. increased physical activity and diet change). RESULTS: The wellness service improved staff health for those with an 'at risk' health profile from baseline. These improvements were maintained in subsequent follow-up assessments. Improvement from baseline to 1-year follow-up was observed for all health indicators as was the maintenance of this improvement in years 2, 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: The service demonstrates that a university-based wellness service using a combination of motivational interviewing and health screening to elicit behaviour change (and subsequent improvements in health-related outcomes) was successful in improving the health of employees with an 'at risk' profile.

Embedding Physical Activity in the Heart of the NHS: The Need for a Whole-System Approach.

Solutions to the global challenge of physical inactivity have tended to focus on interventions at an individual level, when evidence shows that wider factors, including the social and physical environment, play a major part in influencing health-related behaviour. A multidisciplinary perspective is needed to rewrite the research agenda on physical activity if population-level public health benefits are to be demonstrated. This article explores the questions that this raises regarding the particular role that the UK National Health Service (NHS) plays in the system. The National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine in Sheffield is put forward as a case study to discuss some of the ways in which health systems can work in collaboration with other partners to develop environments and systems that promote active lives for patients and staff.

Determinants and Strategies for Physical Activity Maintenance in Chronic Health Conditions: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is promoted to help adults manage chronic health conditions, but evidence suggests that individuals relapse after intervention cessation. The objective of this study was to explore the determinants and strategies for successful and unsuccessful physical activity maintenance. METHODS: A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 32 participants. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 successful and 12 unsuccessful maintainers. Adults with chronic health conditions were recruited having completed a physical activity referral scheme 6 months before study commencement. The IPAQ and SPAQ were used to categorize participants according to physical activity status. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. RESULTS: Eleven main themes emerged: 1) outcome expectations, 2) experiences, 3) core values, 4) trial and error, 5) social and practical support, 6) attitudes toward physical activity, 7) environmental barriers, 8) psychological barriers, 9) physical barriers, 10) cognitive-behavioral strategies for physical activity self-management (eg, self-monitoring), and 11) condition management (eg, pacing). CONCLUSIONS: The findings identified determinants and strategies for successful maintenance and highlighted the processes involved in physical activity disengagement. Such findings can guide the development of physical activity maintenance interventions and increase activity engagement over the long-term in adults with chronic health conditions.