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Cited by 254Physical Activity and HealthSchool Health and Nursing EducationBehavioral Health and Interventions

A systematic review of school-based interventions targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviour among older adolescents

Open access
Hynynen, S-T., van Stralen, M. M., Sniehotta, F. F., Araújo-Soares, V., Hardeman, W., Chinapaw, M. J. M., Vasankari, T., Hankonen, N.·2016·International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology
DOI 10.1080/1750984x.2015.1081706PMC PMC4706019
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Abstract

Lack of physical activity (PA) and high levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) have been associated with health problems. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of school-based interventions to increase PA and decrease SB among 15–19-year-old adolescents, and examines whether intervention characteristics (intervention length, delivery mode and intervention provider) and intervention content (i.e. behaviour change techniques, BCTs) are related to intervention effectiveness. A systematic search of randomised or cluster randomised controlled trials with outcome measures of PA and/or SB rendered 10 results. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Intervention content was coded using Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1. Seven out of 10 studies reported significant increases in PA. Effects were generally small and short-term (Cohen's d ranged from 0.132 to 0.659). Two out of four studies that measured SB reported significant reductions in SB. Interventions that increased PA included a higher number of BCTs, specific BCTs (e.g., goal setting, action planning and self-monitoring), and were delivered by research staff. Intervention length and mode of delivery were unrelated to effectiveness. More studies are needed that evaluate long-term intervention effectiveness and target SBs among older adolescents.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This systematic review found limited evidence that school-based interventions can increase physical activity (PA) among 15–19-year-olds in the short term, with 7 of 10 trials showing significant PA increases and generally small effects. Evidence for reducing sedentary behaviour (SB) was sparse, and no long-term effects were demonstrated.

Key findings

  • Seven of 10 included studies reported significant increases in PA; effect sizes were generally small and short-term (Cohen’s d ranged from 0.132 to 0.659). Two of four studies measuring SB reported significant reductions in SB.
  • Effective PA interventions focused on PA or PA and SB only, were mostly delivered by researchers (6 of 7 effective interventions), and included more behaviour change techniques (BCTs): mean 10.5 BCTs (range 5–20) in effective interventions vs. mean 4 BCTs (range 3–6) in ineffective interventions.
  • BCTs unique to effective interventions were Information about social and environmental consequences, Graded tasks, Self-monitoring of behaviour, Feedback on behaviour, Problem solving, Goal setting (behaviour), Action planning, and Social support (unspecified). Intervention length and mode of delivery were unrelated to effectiveness.
  • None of the four studies with follow-up beyond one month post-intervention reported significant between-group differences, and no included study focused solely on SB.

Methods

  • Systematic review of randomised or cluster randomised controlled trials of school-based interventions targeting PA and/or SB among 15–19-year-old adolescents; searches covered Medline, Cinahl, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane registers up to February 2013, yielding 8470 references, 5482 after duplicate removal, and 10 unique intervention studies (13 articles).
  • Data extraction covered trial/sample/intervention characteristics and outcomes; risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool; intervention content was coded using Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1.
  • Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated at first post-intervention follow-up; effective trials were defined as those with a significant between-group PA difference (p < .05); BCT effectiveness was explored by presence in a majority of effective trials but not/only once in non-effective trials, plus effectiveness ratios.

Limitations

  • The paper states that included studies generally had weak methodological quality, small sample sizes, and high risk of bias; only three studies used objective PA measurement and only one objectively assessed SB, while most relied on self-report, risking recall and social desirability bias.
  • The paper states there was a lack of long-term follow-ups, possible positive bias from volunteer participants, poor reporting of intervention content, and too few heterogeneous studies to conduct a meta-analysis; possible publication bias is also raised, and BCT effectiveness conclusions are described as tentative.
  • The paper states control group interventions were insufficiently described to code BCTs, and no studies focused solely on SB, making SB-specific BCT conclusions impossible; evident from the text, only three non-effective studies were available for comparison, and no study demonstrated long-lasting PA effects.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1080/1750984x.2015.1081706

Cites

61 of 61 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 53 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    How an intervention was delivered was not associated with its effectiveness.

    “Intervention length and mode of delivery were unrelated to effectiveness.”
    • Also stated in: § Intervention characteristics · hedged
      “There appeared to be no systematic differences in delivery mode between effective versus non-effective interventions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Two of the four trials that assessed sedentary behaviour reported significant reductions.

    “Two out of four studies that measured SB reported significant reductions in SB.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Post-intervention physical activity effect sizes were small to medium, with Cohen's d values between 0.132 and 0.659.

    “Effects were generally small and short-term (Cohen's d ranged from 0.132 to 0.659).”
    • Also stated in: § Intervention effects on physical activity and sedentary behaviours · plain
      “The effect sizes (Cohen's d) post-intervention ranged from small to medium (0.132–0.659).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Effect sizes calculated from different physical activity measures and at the first post-intervention follow-up are comparable across studies.
    • Rests on an assumption: Self-reported physical activity measures used in the included studies are valid enough to assess intervention effects.
  • Findingown data

    The duration of an intervention was not associated with its effectiveness.

    “Intervention length and mode of delivery were unrelated to effectiveness.”
    • Also stated in: § Intervention characteristics · hedged
      “Intervention length appeared unrelated to intervention effectiveness.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Seven of the ten included trials found a statistically significant increase in physical activity.

    “Seven out of 10 studies reported significant increases in PA.”
    • Also stated in: § Intervention effects on physical activity and sedentary behaviours · plain
      “Seven studies showed significant differences in PA between intervention and control groups post-intervention”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Self-reported physical activity measures used in the included studies are valid enough to assess intervention effects.
  • May combine two claims. 34
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 26

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Trials that raised physical activity used more behaviour change techniques, particular techniques such as goal setting, action planning and self-monitoring, and were led by research staff.

    “Interventions that increased PA included a higher number of BCTs, specific BCTs (e.g., goal setting, action planning and self-monitoring), and were delivered by research staff.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Published intervention materials accurately reflect the behaviour change techniques actually delivered in the interventions.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    One study compared three types of theory-based persuasive leaflets with a no-leaflet control group.

    “A final study compared three types of theory-based persuasive leaflets to increase PA (leaflet alone, leaflet plus a motivational quiz, and leaflet plus implementation intention prompt) against a no-leaflet control group”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The average sample size was 593 (SD 757), with a range from 78 to 2155 older adolescents.

    “The average sample size was 593 (SD = 757), ranging from 78 to 2155 older adolescents.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only three of 10 studies used objective physical activity measurement: two used pedometers and one used accelerometers.

    “Out of the 10 studies only three used objective PA measurement: two used pedometers (Lee et al., 2012; Schofield et al., 2005) and one used accelerometers (Slootmaker et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    All face-to-face interventions also included written materials.

    “All of the interventions delivered face-to-face also included written materials, such as textbooks, logbooks, postcards and homework assignments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Eight BCTs were unique to effective interventions: Information about social and environmental consequences, Graded tasks, Self-monitoring of behaviour, Feedback on behaviour, Problem solving, Goal setting (behaviour), Action planning, and Social support (unspecified).

    “BCTs unique to effective interventions were Information about social and environmental consequences, Graded tasks, Self-monitoring of behaviour, Feedback on behaviour, Problem solving, Goal setting (behaviour), Action planning and Social support (unspecified).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Two included studies were individually randomised controlled trials and eight were cluster randomised trials.

    “Two of the included studies were individually randomised controlled trials (Lubans & Sylva, 2006; Slootmaker et al., 2010) and eight were cluster randomised trials”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Five of seven interventions that increased physical activity targeted only physical activity or physical activity and sedentary behaviour, while two targeted multiple behaviours including diet.

    “Five of seven interventions that increased PA targeted PA or PA and SB only (Hill et al., 2007; Lee et al., 2012; Lubans & Sylva, 2006; Schofield et al., 2005; Slootmaker et al., 2010), whereas two targeted multiple behaviours related to energy balance, including dietary behaviour”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Four interventions targeted only female adolescents and six targeted both sexes.

    “Four interventions were only aimed at female adolescents (Bayne-Smith et al., 2004; Lee et al., 2012; Neumark-Sztainer et al., 2010; Schofield et al., 2005) and six were aimed at both sexes”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The remaining sedentary behaviour studies used proxy measures: TV viewing; TV viewing, board games and tuition classes; and sedentary activity blocks from the 3-DPAR questionnaire.

    “The remaining studies used proxy measures of TV viewing (Mauriello et al., 2010); TV viewing, playing board games and attending tuition classes (Singhal et al., 2010); and blocks of sedentary activity using the Self-reported Total Physical Activity (3-DPAR) questionnaire (Neumark-Sztainer et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Five studies targeted only physical activity or physical activity and sedentary behaviour outcomes, while five also targeted other outcomes.

    “Five studies targeted only PA or PA and SB outcomes (Hill et al., 2007; Lee et al., 2012; Lubans & Sylva, 2006; Schofield et al., 2005; Slootmaker et al., 2010). The five other studies targeted other outcomes as well”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Intervention length ranged from one session to nine months.

    “Intervention length ranged from one intervention session (Hill et al., 2007) to nine months (Gomes de Barros et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The search yielded 5482 records, and 13 articles reporting 10 unique intervention studies were included.

    “The search provided 5482 records (see Figure 1) out of which 13 articles reporting 10 unique intervention studies were identified for inclusion in the review”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All 10 studies reported physical activity outcomes and four reported sedentary behaviour outcomes.

    “All 10 studies reported PA outcomes and four studies reported SB outcomes as well”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    One study compared two intervention groups with a control group.

    “One study compared two intervention groups against a control group”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Of the 10 included interventions, 2 were delivered by trained school staff and PE teachers, 7 by researchers, and 1 by trained PE teachers, community guests and intervention staff.

    “Two out of 10 interventions were delivered by trained school staff and PE teachers (Bayne-Smith et al., 2004; Gomes de Barros et al., 2009) and seven by researchers (Hill et al., 2007; Lee et al., 2012; Lubans & Sylva, 2006; Mauriello et al., 2010; Schofield et al., 2005; Singhal et al., 2010; Slootmaker et al., 2010).”
    • Also stated in: § Intervention characteristics · plain
      “One study utilised trained PE teachers, community guests and intervention staff for programme delivery (Neumark-Sztainer et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Two interventions used an interactive individualised computer program, one used leaflets only, and seven were delivered face-to-face in groups, some with individual meetings.

    “Two interventions were delivered via an interactive, individualised computer program (Mauriello et al., 2010; Slootmaker et al., 2010), and one solely via leaflets (Hill et al., 2007). The remaining seven interventions were delivered face-to-face in groups”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Two interventions used pedometers and one used accelerometers as an intervention strategy.

    “Two interventions used pedometers (Lee et al., 2012; Schofield et al., 2005) and one study used accelerometers (Slootmaker et al., 2010) as an intervention strategy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Goal setting and Action planning were techniques emphasised in effective trials, and Self-monitoring of behaviour, Feedback on behaviour and Problem solving were unique to effective trials.

    “Goal setting and Action planning were techniques emphasised in effective trials, and complementing BCTs such as Self-monitoring of behaviour, Feedback on behaviour and Problem solving were unique to effective trials.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Effectiveness was unrelated to length of intervention or mode of delivery.

    “Effectiveness was unrelated to length of intervention or mode of delivery.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Restructuring the physical environment was present in only three interventions, two effective and one non-effective.

    “Restructuring the physical environment was present in only three interventions, two of which were effective and one non-effective.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Trials with significant effects on PA focused on PA or PA and SB only and tended to use researchers as providers.

    “The trials with significant effects on PA focused on PA or PA and SB only and tended to use researchers as providers.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Behavioural practice was present in all three ineffective trials but only in two of seven effective interventions.

    “Behavioural practice was present in all three ineffective trials but only in two out of seven effective interventions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The effects of school-based interventions on adolescents' physical activity and sedentary behaviour are small, short-term and vary across interventions.

    “However, the effects have been small, short-term and have largely differed between interventions”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Biddle, O'Connell, & Braithwaite, 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites De Meester, van Lenthe, Spittaels, Lien, & De Bourdaedhuij, 2009

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Demetriou & Höner, 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    No recent review has focused only on interventions for older adolescents, and evidence for this age group is lacking.

    “To our knowledge, no recent review has focused solely on interventions targeting older adolescents, and evidence in this age group is lacking.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Older adolescents differ from younger age groups in developmental stage and need different intervention strategies.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Children and adolescents are advised to do at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day.

    “children and adolescents are recommended to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) each day”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Janssen & LeBlanc, 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Strong et al., 2005

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    School-based intervention effects are mostly observed in school-related physical activity, while effects on leisure-time and commuting physical activity are often not found or not measured.

    “effects are mostly seen in school-related PA while effects outside of this context in leisure time and commuting PA are often not observed or assessed”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kriemler et al., 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In parent-targeted interventions to improve children's weight-related nutrition and activity, effective interventions included prompting barrier identification, restructuring the home environment, prompting self-monitoring and prompting specific goal setting.

    “In their review on interventions that target parents to improve children's weight-related nutrition intake and activity patterns, Golley et al. (2011) found that effective interventions included: Prompting barrier identification, Restructuring the home environment, Prompting self-monitoring and Prompting specific goal setting.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Golley et al. (2011)

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that more effective school-based interventions for obesity-related behaviours generally lasted at least three months.

    “A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on effects of school-based interventions targeting obesity-related behaviours showed that more effective interventions generally lasted at least three months”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Safron et al., 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool by two researchers independently.

    “The Cochrane risk of bias tool (Higgins et al., 2011) was used for assessing risk of bias in the included articles”
    • Also stated in: § Assessing risk of bias · plain
      “Two researchers (STH and MC) independently assessed the quality of all studies that met the inclusion criteria.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Higgins et al., 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Screening of references was done in three phases by two researchers working independently.

    “The screening of the remaining references was conducted in three phases by two researchers (STH and MVS) working independently.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In childhood obesity prevention interventions, only prompting generalisation of the target behaviour was related to effectiveness.

    “In childhood obesity prevention interventions, only Prompting generalisation of target behaviour was shown to be related to intervention effectiveness”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Martin et al., 2013

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Included interventions were coded independently, agreement on techniques was 83.3%, and disagreements were resolved with a third researcher.

    “All included interventions were then coded independently. Inter-rater reliability was assessed and percent agreement on BCTs present in the descriptions was high (83.3%). Discrepancies between both primary coders were discussed and resolved with a third researcher (WH) who is a member of the BCTT v1 team.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

    “The protocol for this systematic review was published in PROSPERO – International prospective register of systematic reviews”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hynynen et al., 2013

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A review of interventions for obesity and weight-related nutrition and physical activity behaviours in children in home and school/community settings suggested that interventions with more behaviour change techniques had better outcomes.

    “a review of interventions targeting obesity and weight-related nutrition and PA behaviours in children both in the home and school/community setting (Hendrie et al., 2012) suggested that interventions including a higher number of BCTs were associated with better outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hendrie et al., 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    For the 36 BCTs present, inter-rater reliability was good for 28 and sub-optimal for 8.

    “For the remaining 36 BCTs inter-rater reliability was good for 28 BCTs (percentage agreement ranging from 75% to 100%) and sub-optimal (< 75%) for the remaining eight, due to their infrequent inclusion in the descriptions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Behaviour change technique effectiveness was analysed with a method modified from Martin et al.'s systematic review.

    “We analysed BCT effectiveness using a method modified from one used in Martin et al.'s (2013) systematic review on childhood obesity prevention and management interventions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Martin et al.'s (2013)

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Before coding included studies, the two coders piloted their coding on three intervention reports outside the review.

    “Prior to extracting BCTs from included intervention studies, the two coders piloted consistency in their BCT coding by coding three intervention reports that were not included in the review as they targeted a different age group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Data extraction was performed by one researcher and checked by a second.

    “The data extraction was carried out by one researcher (STH) and verified by a second (MVS or another researcher).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In community- and school-based interventions for obesity-related behaviours in children aged 1-18, three behaviour change techniques were linked to effectiveness: providing general information on behaviour-health links, prompting practice, and planning for social support or social changes.

    “In community- and school-based interventions to target obesity-related behaviours in 1–18-year-old children, three BCTs were associated with effectiveness: Providing general information on behaviour – health links, Prompting practice, and Planning for social support/social changes”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hendrie et al., 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Behaviour change technique coding used Michie et al.'s BCTT v1 and was done by two researchers.

    “The BCT coding was conducted by two researchers (STH and MVS) using Michie et al.’s (2013) behaviour change technique taxonomy (BCTT v1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Michie et al. (2013)

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Average percentage agreement for risk-of-bias assessment was 74%.

    “Inter-rater reliability was calculated (average percentage agreement 74%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The studies provided no descriptions of intervention strategies aimed specifically at changing SB, making it impossible to identify effective BCTs for SB and distinguish them from PA.

    “The studies provided no descriptions of intervention strategies aimed specifically at changing SB, which made it impossible to identify the BCTs effective in reducing SB, and make a distinction with PA.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Conclusions on associations between intervention components and effectiveness are based on a small number of studies and descriptive rather than quantitative analysis.

    “the conclusions on associations and relationships between intervention components and intervention effectiveness presented in this review are based on a small number of studies and descriptive rather than quantitative analysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    There is a lack of long-term follow-ups and consequently a lack of evidence regarding long-term effectiveness.

    “Another major limitation in this area, as noted in earlier systematic reviews as well (e.g., van Sluijs et al., 2007), is the lack of long-term follow-ups and, consequently, a lack of evidence regarding long-term effectiveness.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites van Sluijs et al., 2007

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Control group treatment differed widely in the 10 trials and was altogether insufficiently described.

    “Control group treatment differed widely in the 10 trials and was altogether insufficiently described in the studies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Some studies were so superficially described that it was difficult to draw conclusions on intervention elements related to effectiveness, and from some it was difficult to tell who delivered the intervention.

    “Some of the studies were so superficially described that it was difficult to draw conclusions on intervention elements related to effectiveness; from some it was difficult to even tell who delivered the intervention.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    School-based PA interventions work better for girls than boys.

    “Previous studies have shown that school-based PA interventions work better for girls than boys (Yildirim et al., 2011)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Yildirim et al., 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The methodological quality of the included studies was weak, with relatively small sample sizes and high risk of bias.

    “In general, the methodological quality of the included studies was weak, with relatively small sample sizes and a high risk of bias.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The BCT Information about social and environmental consequences is coded whenever the information provided is unspecified in the intervention description.

    “this BCT is coded whenever the information provided is unspecified in the intervention description (Michie et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Michie et al., 2013

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The scarcity of reported studies in this age group and only three non-effective studies raises a serious question of possible risk of publication bias.

    “The scarcity of reported studies in this age group and the fact that only three non-effective studies were found in the literature search also raises a serious question of possible risk of publication bias in this research field.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In BCT Taxonomy v1, all these different actions are coded under one technique: Restructuring the physical environment.

    “in the BCT Taxonomy v1 all of these different actions are coded under one technique: Restructuring the physical environment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Michie et al., 2013

      Not checked in the free run.

52 of 52

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Schools reach a majority of the target adolescent population.

    “Schools are a promising setting for health promotion interventions aimed at adolescents, since they reach a majority of the target population.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Older adolescents differ from younger age groups in developmental stage and need different intervention strategies.

    “These previous studies have disregarded the possibility that age groups differ in developmental stages and thus require different intervention strategies.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Published intervention materials accurately reflect the behaviour change techniques actually delivered in the interventions.

    “All published materials (e.g., intervention protocols) of the included trials were used to characterise intervention content.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Effect sizes calculated from different physical activity measures and at the first post-intervention follow-up are comparable across studies.

    “For each study, intervention effects (Cohen's d) for PA and SB were calculated at the first follow-up post-intervention. This was the only outcome measurement point after baseline that was reported in all included studies. Therefore, we selected this point in time to compare the effects across studies.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Self-reported physical activity measures used in the included studies are valid enough to assess intervention effects.

    “Seven out of 10 studies relied exclusively on self-report methods to measure PA.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    This is the first systematic review to investigate school-based interventions targeting PA and SB among 15–19-year-old adolescents, characterising intervention content using BCT Taxonomy v1, and linking intervention characteristics to effectiveness.

    “To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to investigate school-based interventions targeting PA and SB among 15–19-year-old adolescents, characterising intervention content using the BCT Taxonomy v1, and linking intervention characteristics to intervention effectiveness.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Individuals who seek to participate in a PA intervention are more motivated to increase their PA than their age cohort in general.

    “It is quite evident that individuals who seek to participate in a PA intervention are more motivated to increase their level of PA than their age cohort in general.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is a marked drop in PA levels during adolescence and a high level of SB, making this age group an especially important target for public health efforts.

    “As there is a marked drop in PA levels during adolescence, and a high level of SB, this age group is an especially important target for public health efforts.”
8 of 8

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Goal setting was not unique to effective interventions

    Minor

    Table 4 marks goal setting as present in Neumark-Sztainer et al. (2010), which the paper classifies as an ineffective intervention.

  • Social support was not unique to effective interventions

    Minor

    Table 4 marks social support as present in Singhal et al. (2010), which the paper classifies as ineffective.

  • Action planning was not unique to effective interventions

    Minor

    Table 4 marks action planning as present in Neumark-Sztainer et al. (2010), which the paper classifies as ineffective.

3 of 3

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

3 of the 64 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. Currie C., 2012, Social determinants of health and well-being among young people
  2. Janssen I., 2010, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 1
  3. Ministry of Social and Health Affairs, 2015, SIT LESS - FEEL BETTER! National recommendations for reducing sitting [In Finnish]
  4. Olander E. K., 2013, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Actitivity, 10, 1

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Hynynen, S.-T., van Stralen, M. M., Sniehotta, F. F., Araújo-Soares, V., Hardeman, W., Chinapaw, M. J. M., Vasankari, T., & Hankonen, N.
Affiliations
  • University of Helsinki (FI)
  • Newcastle University (GB)
  • University of Cambridge (GB)
  • Amsterdam Public Health (NL)
  • Urho Kaleva Kekkonen Institute (FI)
Corresponding author
Hynynen, S-T.
ORCID
Venue
International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2015-12-22
Volume
9
Issue
1
Pages
22-44
ISSN
  • 1750-984X (ISSN-L)
  • 1750-9858
DOI
10.1080/1750984x.2015.1081706
PMC
PMC4706019
OpenAlex
W2206177928
Semantic Scholar
94db835c1992f3b8164d316a354cf95d87bf8ced
Cited by
253
References
64
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 26 · 2022: 37 · 2021: 35 · 2020: 39 · 2019: 22 · 2018: 22 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 2
FWCI
1.87
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-nd
Locations
  • International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Amsterdam UMC (VU Amsterdam) - Institutional Repository (publishedVersion)
  • Tampere University Institutional Repository (Tampere University) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • UEA Digital Repository (University of East Anglia) (submittedVersion)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • VU Research Portal (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Tampere University Institutional Repository (Tampere University) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Apollo (University of Cambridge) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity) (cc-by-nc-nd)
Funders
  • Ministry of Education and Culture (34/626/2012)
  • Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (201310238)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Speech and Hearing › School Health and Nursing Education
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
Keywords
school-based intervention, physical activity, sedentary behavior, older adolescents, behaviour change techniques, intervention effectiveness, intervention delivery mode, goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-08.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-08.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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