Control group improvements in objectively-measured physical activity in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Oral Presentation A9.4

Authors

  • Nicole Freene University of Canberra
  • Rachel Davey University of Canberra
  • Rahanan Sathiyakumar University of Canberra
  • Steven M. McPhail Queensland University of Technology; Metro South Health

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.416

Keywords:

Control, Accelerometry, Pedometer, Measurement, Measurement Reactivity

Abstract

Background: There is some evidence that simply measuring physical activity alone can increase self-reported physical activity behaviour. Purpose: To describe changes in objectively-measured physical activity within control groups in primary care physical activity intervention studies. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, and CINAHL were searched from inception to February 2019. Physical activity controlled intervention studies measuring objectively-measured physical activity in primary care with adults were included. Results: Thirty studies were eligible and 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Noteworthy increases (≥10%) in objectively-measured physical activity within control groups were found in 17% of studies at the end of the intervention period. Noteworthy increases were reported in studies with younger participants, one-third of the pedometer studies, one-third of studies with participants at risk of chronic disease and in studies with a shorter duration between measurements. No control group improvements were found in participants with chronic disease. Meta-analyses found that steps.day-1, counts.day-1 and counts.minute-1did not significantly change within control groups. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes.day-1 significantly decreased (-3.97; 95% CI -6.31 to -1.64; P = 0.0009). Sub-analyses revealed that steps.day-1increased in participants < 50 years old (504; 95% CI -20 to 1029; P=0.06) and in studies that used pedometers (196; 95% CI -335 to 726; P=0.47). Conclusions: No significant improvements in objectively-measured physical activity were found within control groups in primary care. However, in younger participants without chronic disease, objectively-measured physical activity measurement alone may lead to an increase in physical activity levels, particularly in interventions using pedometers.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Freene, N., Davey, R., Sathiyakumar, R., & McPhail, S. M. (2021). Control group improvements in objectively-measured physical activity in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Oral Presentation A9.4. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.416