How Are Behavioral Theories Used in Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the use of behavioral theories in physical activity interventions in populations with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: This review includes articles published in English between January 1, 1980 and November 8, 2015 in MEDLINE, Cochrane, and CINAHL, identified by a strategic literature search. Included studies were published in international peer-reviewed journals, mentioned theory, evaluated a physical activity intervention for adults with RA, and had ≥1 physical activity variable as the outcome. References and reviews were also checked. Two investigators independently selected articles and extracted data using a validated scale, the theory coding scheme. Additional extracted data included author, sample characteristics, study design, physical activity outcomes, intervention type and duration, and control group.

Results: A total of 245 articles were identified, 211 articles and references were screened, and 29 articles were reviewed. Of these, 18 were excluded, leaving 11 articles with 1,472 participants (75% women). Ten studies (91%) were randomized controlled trials, 8 (73%) assessed physical activity plus self-management, and 3 (27%) physical activity only. Program durations ranged from 5 weeks to 1 year. Eight studies (73%) used a single theory, 7 studies (64%) linked at least 1 intervention technique to theory, 2 studies (18%) analyzed mediating effects of theoretical constructs, and 5 studies (45%) discussed results in relation to theory.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that physical activity intervention studies claiming the use of behavioral theories use theory to a small extent. We suggest expanding theory use in design, evaluation, and interpretation of physical activity intervention results. Further, we recommend that future studies evaluate the most salient behavioral theories, interventions components, and delivery modes in RA populations.