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Cited by 413Behavioral Health and InterventionsPhysical Activity and HealthHealth Policy Implementation Science

A meta-analytic review of the effect of implementation intentions on physical activity

Bélanger-Gravel, Ariane, Godin, Gaston, Amireault, Steve·2013·Health Psychology Review
DOI 10.1080/17437199.2011.560095
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Abstract

Implementation intentions are a powerful strategy to promote health-related behaviours, but mixed results are observed regarding physical activity. The primary aim of this study was to systematically and quantitatively review the literature on the effectiveness of implementation intentions on physical activity. The second aim was to identify conditions under which effectiveness is optimal. A literature search was performed in several databases for published and non-published reports. The inverse variance method with random effect model was used for the meta-analysis of results. Effect sizes were reported as standard mean differences. Twenty-six independent studies were included in the systematic review. The overall effect size of implementation intentions was 0.31, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [0.11, 0.51] at post-intervention and 0.24, 95% CI [0.13, 0.35] at follow-up. The duration of follow-up had no significant effect on effect size (F(1, 18) = 0.21, p=0.66. This strategy was more effective among student and clinical samples, and when barrier management was part of implementation intentions. The present meta-analysis provides support for the use of implementation intentions to promote physical activity, even though the effect size is small to medium.

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  • Belanger-Gravel, Godin and Amireault's (2013) meta-analysis found implementation intention interventions on physical activity had a small to medium effect at postintervention (g = 0.31, 95% CI 0.11, 0.51) and follow-up (g = 0.24, 95% CI 0.13, 0.35).

    “Belanger-Gravel, Godin and Amireault's (2013) meta-analysis of implementation intention interventions on physical activity found small to medium effect size [Hedge's g = 0.31 (95% CI = 0.11, 0.51) at postintervention; Hedge's g = 0.24 (95% CI = 0.13, 0.35) at follow-up].”

    From A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Mental Contrasting With Implementation Intentions on Goal Attainment (2021) · cites this paper as Belanger-Gravel, Godin and Amireault's (2013)

  • A meta-analysis of 24 randomized and quasirandomized trials confirmed a positive effect of planning interventions on physical activity.

    “A meta-analysis of 24 randomized and quasirandomized trials has confirmed the positive effect of such “planning interventions” on physical activity (14).”

    From Which Components of a Smartphone Walking App Help Users to Reach Personalized Step Goals? Results From an Optimization Trial (2020) · cites this paper as [14]

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Authors
Bélanger-Gravel, A., Godin, G., & Amireault, S.
Affiliations
  • Laval University, Social and Preventive Medicine
  • Université Laval (CA)
ORCID
Venue
Health Psychology Review
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2011-03-21
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
23-54
ISSN
  • 1743-7199 (ISSN-L)
  • 1743-7202
DOI
10.1080/17437199.2011.560095
OpenAlex
W2096195561
Cited by
413
References
81
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 22 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 40 · 2020: 82 · 2019: 23 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 39 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 6
FWCI
18.78
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Health Psychology Review (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Policy Implementation Science
Keywords
implementation intentions, physical activity, behaviour change interventions, barrier management, students, clinical populations, follow-up duration

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