Physical activity promotion in physical therapy, exercise therapy and other movement-based therapies: a scoping review and content analysis of intervention studies and theoretical works
Matting L, Pfeifer K, Sudeck G, Jung A, Langhirt F, Geidl W (2025)
Publication Type: Journal article, Review article
Publication year: 2025
Journal
Book Volume: 22
Article Number: 72
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-025-01772-1
Abstract
Background: Movement-based therapists, including physical, exercise, and sport therapists, play a key role in promoting physical activity in individuals with non-communicable diseases. However, no clear consensus exists on effective intervention approaches. This scoping review examines available intervention studies and theoretical works for physical activity promotion in movement-based therapy. Methods: In accordance with Colquhoun et al.‘s framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO until March 31, 2024. Eligible records described physical activity-promoting concepts including interventional studies and theoretical works applicable in movement-based therapies for individuals with non-communicable diseases. Data extraction covered assessment, therapeutic content, didactic-methodological principles, and theoretical underpinnings. Interventions were categorized based on behavior change techniques (BCTs), the behavior change wheel, and a clinical reasoning model for clients behavior change. Network analysis explored relationships between therapeutic content and didactic-methodological principles. Results: Fifty-seven records met inclusion criteria; 77% were intervention studies, and 23% were theoretical works. Most concepts originated from orthopedics/rheumatology (23%), neurology (21%), and oncology (9%), while 12% were generic concepts. Across concepts, 66 biopsychosocial assessment instruments and 60 BCTs were applied (Median BCTs per concept: 11.5, range: 4–37). Key didactic-methodological principles included tailoring/individualization (n = 47), active participation (n = 39), collaborative communication (n = 21), and patient self-responsibility and independence (n = 14). Least mentioned was facilitating positive movement experiences and enjoyment of physical activity (n = 3). Network analysis identified action planning, goal setting, and feedback as central BCTs. Conclusion: This review provides an overview of 57 physical activity promotion concepts used in movement-based therapies for individuals with non-communicable diseases. Findings reveal considerable heterogeneity, highlighting diverse strategies used by movement-based therapists to influence physical activity behavior. Trial registration: Open Science Framework (OSF), December 23, 2022 (DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AXZSJ).
Authors with CRIS profile
Klaus Pfeifer
Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit
Andres Jung
Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit
Wolfgang Geidl
Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Matting, L., Pfeifer, K., Sudeck, G., Jung, A., Langhirt, F., & Geidl, W. (2025). Physical activity promotion in physical therapy, exercise therapy and other movement-based therapies: a scoping review and content analysis of intervention studies and theoretical works. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-025-01772-1
MLA:
Matting, Leon, et al. "Physical activity promotion in physical therapy, exercise therapy and other movement-based therapies: a scoping review and content analysis of intervention studies and theoretical works." International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 22.1 (2025).
BibTeX: Download