A meta-analytic review of the effect of implementation intentions on physical activity

Abstract

Implementation intentions are a powerful strategy to promote health-related behaviours, but mixed results are observed regarding physical activity. The primary aim of this study was to systematically and quantitatively review the literature on the effectiveness of implementation intentions on physical activity. The second aim was to identify conditions under which effectiveness is optimal. A literature search was performed in several databases for published and non-published reports. The inverse variance method with random effect model was used for the meta-analysis of results. Effect sizes were reported as standard mean differences. Twenty-six independent studies were included in the systematic review. The overall effect size of implementation intentions was 0.31, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [0.11, 0.51] at post-intervention and 0.24, 95% CI [0.13, 0.35] at follow-up. The duration of follow-up had no significant effect on effect size (F(1, 18) = 0.21, p = 0.66. This strategy was more effective among student and clinical samples, and when barrier management was part of implementation intentions. The present meta-analysis provides support for the use of implementation intentions to promote physical activity, even though the effect size is small to medium.