Which behaviour change techniques are most effective at increasing older adults self-efficacy and physical activity behaviour? A systematic review.

Abstract

Background. Increasing self-efficacy is an effective mechanism for increasing physical activity, especially for older people. Purpose. The aim of this review was to identify behavior change techniques (BCTs) that increase self-efficacy and physical activity behavior in non-clinical community-dwelling adults 60 years or over.

Methods. A systematic search identified 24 eligible studies reporting change in self-efficacy for physical activity following an intervention. Moderator analyses examined whether the inclusion of specific BCTs (as defined by CALO-RE taxonomy) was associated with changes in self-efficacy and physical activity behavior.

Results. Overall, interventions increased self-efficacy (d=0.37) and physical activity (d=0.14). Self-regulatory techniques such as setting behavioral goals, and prompting self-monitoring of behavior, planning for relapses, providing normative information, and providing feedback on performance, were associated with lower levels of both self-efficacy and physical activity.