Journal article
Context matters: A review of reviews examining the effects of contextual factors in physical activity interventions on mental health and wellbeing
Mental health and physical activity, Vol.25, 100520
10/2023
Metrics
31 Record Views
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) is an effective and evidence-based intervention for the promotion of mental health, and prevention and treatment of mental health problems. However, little is known regarding the impact of contextual factors that may optimise the mental health benefits of PA. Contextual factors are the qualitative characteristics of PA that include its type, domain, physical and social environment, and delivery. We conducted an umbrella review of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effect of contextual factors of PA on mental health outcomes. A total of 42 reviews were included, and covered the delivery (n = 8), social environment (n = 6), physical environment (n = 7), and type of PA (n = 33). There were no meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials pertaining to the domain of PA. Evidence showed beneficial effects for supervised PA (delivery), PA undertaken inside or outside (physical environment), PA undertaken individually or in groups (social environment), and many types of PA including aerobic and resistance training. This suggests that variations in contextual factors may play a role in enhancing the MH benefits of PA. However, few direct comparisons, and heterogenous control groups, precluded meaningful comparisons across and within contextual factors. Further, greater attention needs to be paid to the systematic testing and reporting of the contextual factors of PA to optimise mental health and wellbeing.
Details
- Title
- Context matters: A review of reviews examining the effects of contextual factors in physical activity interventions on mental health and wellbeing
- Creators
- Stewart A. Vella - University of WollongongJordan T. Sutcliffe - University of WollongongDominic Fernandez - University of WollongongCaitlin Liddelow - University of WollongongEugene Aidman - University of Newcastle AustraliaMegan Teychenne - Deakin UniversityJordan J. Smith - University of Newcastle AustraliaChristian Swann - Southern Cross UniversitySimon Rosenbaum - Western Sydney UniversityRhiannon L. White - University of New South WalesDavid R. Lubans - University of Newcastle Australia
- Publication Details
- Mental health and physical activity, Vol.25, 100520
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Grant note
- Funding provided by the Australian Psychological Society College of Sport and Exercise Psychology and the University of Newcastle to support the search and compilation of relevant literature. DRL is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Research Fellowship (APP1154507). MT is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leadership Fellowship (APP1195335).
- Identifiers
- 991013120979702368
- Copyright
- © 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article