Systematic promotion of physical activity

Relevant theoretical and empirical insights regarding the development of interventions to promote physical activity in young people are overviewed. 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