A health coach encouraging a middle-aged adult to engage in physical exercise in an outdoor setting, focusing on gentle encouragement through conversation. The adult is responding positively, displaying determination. Background includes greenery and clear skies. The mood conveys motivation, empowerment, and transformation.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a well-recognized counseling method designed to inspire behavioral change by helping individuals resolve ambivalence and commit to specific goals. Recently, a team of researchers led by Nerys M Astbury conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral interventions using MI on physical activity outcomes in adults. The findings, published in The BMJ, present compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of MI in promoting increased physical activity over time.
Physical Activity and Motivation: Key Insights
The analysis pooled data from over 50 studies, covering a wide demographic of adult participants. The researchers aimed to determine whether interventions combining MI with behavioral change techniques could yield meaningful improvements in physical activity levels.
Dr. Nerys M Astbury emphasizes, “Our goal was to investigate if motivational interviewing could be a practical approach to help adults increase physical activity, particularly those with low activity levels. The results were promising, showing notable improvements in physical activity outcomes.”
The researchers also found that interventions lasting over six months demonstrated more significant long-term benefits. Megan Kirk, one of the co-authors, states, “What stands out from the data is that sustained interventions, rather than short-term efforts, appear to have the most profound impact on long-term physical activity habits.”
Impact of Long-Term Interventions
The review highlights that interventions lasting for over six months yielded the best results, both in terms of increased physical activity and maintenance of these new habits. Deepra Sinha, a co-author of the study, notes, “The longer duration of the intervention was associated with more substantial changes in physical activity levels, which suggests the importance of continued support and engagement.”
Furthermore, Moscho Michalopoulou adds, “This emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to not only focus on initial behavior change but also to invest in follow-up and extended support to maintain those changes.”
The evidence points to a need for sustained efforts in behavioral change programs, with motivational interviewing offering a promising avenue for long-term success.
Future Directions for Healthcare Providers
As physical inactivity continues to be a significant public health concern, the research offers valuable guidance for healthcare providers aiming to integrate MI into their practice. SuFen Zhu, another co-author, highlights, “For clinicians and healthcare practitioners, this study underscores the utility of MI as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance physical activity among adult patients.”
The findings also suggest that customizing interventions to individual needs, particularly by providing longer-term support, can lead to more successful outcomes. Susan A Jebb adds, “Tailored, patient-centered approaches that incorporate MI can empower patients to make meaningful lifestyle changes, especially when it comes to physical activity.”
The study calls for further research into the specific components of MI that are most effective in driving behavior change, as well as how these components can be adapted to diverse populations.
Citation:
Astbury NM, Jebb SA, Smith R, et al. Effectiveness of behavioural interventions with motivational interviewing on physical activity outcomes in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2023;386. doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-078713.
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