Implementation of Behavior Change Theories and Techniques for Physical Activity Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions: A Scoping Review

Abstract

(1) Background: Physical activity (PA) is a key modifiable risk factor for chronic diseases, yet many adults do not meet PA guidelines. Just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAIs), a type of mobile health (mHealth) intervention, offer tailored support based on an individual's context to promote PA. Integrating behavior change techniques (BCTs) and theories is critical to the design of effective mHealth interventions. Understanding which BCTs and theories work best can inform future JITAI development. (2) Objective: The objective of this study is to examine how behavior change theories and BCTs are implemented in mHealth PA JITAIs and assess their relationship with PA-related outcomes. (3) Methods: This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 29 studies were included. (4) Results: The most commonly used BCTs include prompts/cues (n = 29), goal-setting (behavior) (n = 15), and feedback on behavior (n = 14), while self-determination theory (n = 4) and social cognitive theory (n = 4) are the most commonly used theories. However, there is insufficient evidence as to which theories and BCTs are most effective in eliciting effective PA behavior change. (5) Conclusions: Clearer reporting and integration of BCTs and behavior change theories, along with optimized user interfaces, are needed to improve the intervention quality, replicability, and long-term effectiveness of PA JITAIs.

Keywords: digital health; just-in-time adaptative interventions; mobile health; physical activity.

Figure 1

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (scoping review) flowchart.

Figure 2

Behavior change techniques (BCTs) and their inclusion amongst studies.