Systematic promotion of physical activity

An overview is provided of relevant theoretical and empirical insights regarding the development of interventions to promote physical activity in young people. It is argued that physical activity-promoting programmes should be based on a systematic approach combining empirical findings, theoretical insights, and practical considerations. Successful health promotion interventions to increase physical activity typically consist of strategies to improve intra-personal determinants of physical activity, as well as environmental strategies that facilitate the behaviour, break unhealthy habits, or sustain healthy ones. The Intervention Mapping protocol can be a helpful tool in the systematic development, implementation, diffusion, and evaluation of interventions aimed at the promotion of physical activity in young people.