Behavior Change Techniques Used in Theory of Planned Behavior Physical Activity Interventions Amongst Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Physical activity interventions among older adults vary widely in the techniques used to elicit behavior change. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine what behavior change techniques (BCTs) are used in interventions to increase physical activity among older adults using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and make suggestions for BCTs that appear to be more effective. A database search identified peer-reviewed articles documenting TPB-based interventions to increase physical activity among older adults. Seven articles (three RCT, three quasi-experimental, one n-of-1) from four countries (US, UK, AU, NL) were included for review. Researchers independently coded BCTs using a hierarchical taxonomy of 93 behavior change techniques. The most frequently coded BCTs included "Goal setting" (n=5 studies), "Action Planning" (n=5 studies) and "Credible Source" (n=5 studies). Of 93 BCTs in the taxonomy, only 26 were used, indicating potential opportunities to implement and evaluate less commonly used techniques in future studies.