Interventions on Barriers to the Participation of Adolescents in Physical Activity: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of interventions used to minimize barriers to participation in physical activity (PA) among adolescents. This systematic literature review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Searches were conducted across five databases: PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Thirty-four studies evaluated interventions to overcome barriers to participation in PA, with a focus on lack of motivation, encouragement, and support, as well as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental barriers. Most interventions were conducted in developed countries, with an emphasis on girls, reflecting efforts to address health inequities. The interventions, conducted in schools, included workshops, training programs, lectures, goal setting, and practical activities, lasting from four weeks to four years. Twenty-seven studies (79.4%) reported positive impacts on PA participation, particularly in interventions addressing psychosocial, psychological, and behavioral barriers. The most effective interventions combined theory (through educational approaches) and practice (practical PA activities). These findings contribute to understanding barriers leading to physical inactivity and provide insights for developing or replicating initiatives to improve PA levels among adolescents.

Keywords: adolescence; obstacles; participation in physical activity; physical inactivity; primary prevention.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of study identification, screening, and inclusion in the systematic review (PRISMA 2020).

Figure 2

Total number published by geography. Geographic distribution of interven-tion studies worldwide and frequency in percentage (one study covered multiple countries). Created by the authors using Figma® software (Figma, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA), available at: https://www.figma.com/ (accessed on 21 September 2024).

Figure 3

Barriers identified by intervention studies. Number of barriers identified in each intervention study, grouped into interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental categories.