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CDC COMMUNITY GUIDE: Behavioral and Social: Individually-Adapted Behavior Change Programs

CDC

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Individually-adapted health behavior change programs to increase physical activity teach behavioral skills to help participants incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. The programs are tailored to each individual's specific interests, preferences, and readiness for change.

These programs teach behavioral skills such as:
• Goal-setting and self-monitoring of progress toward those goals
• Building social support for new behaviors
• Behavioral reinforcement through self-reward and positive self-talk
• Structured problem solving to maintain the behavior change
• Prevention of relapse into sedentary behavior

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends implementing individually-adapted health behavior change programs based on strong evidence of their effectiveness in increasing physical activity and improving physical fitness among adults and children.

Results / Accomplishments

Results from the Systematic Reviews:
Eighteen studies qualified for review.

• In all 18 studies reviewed, individually-adapted health behavior change programs were effective in increasing physical activity as measured by various indicators.
• Time spent in physical activity: median net increase of 35.4% (interquartile interval: 16.7% to 83.3%; 20 study arms)
• Aerobic capacity (VO2 max): median increase of 6.3% (interquartile interval: 5.1% to 9.8%; 13 study arms)
• Energy expenditure: median increase of 64.3% (interquartile interval: 31.2% to 85.5%; 15 study arms)
• Other measures of physical activity, such as the percentage of people starting exercise programs and the frequency of physical activity, also increased as a result of these programs.
• These interventions were effective among both men and women and in a variety of settings, including communities, worksites, and schools.
• If appropriately adapted to the target populations, these interventions should be applicable to diverse settings and groups.

About this Promising Practice

Primary Contact
The Community Guide
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS E69
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Source
Community Guide Branch Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Adults, Women, Men, Older Adults, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Additional Audience
Communities
Kansas Health Matters