Behavior and habits
B · Reasonable confidenceHabit-formation interventions and movement behaviour
What this means
Habit-formation programmes strengthened physical activity habits more than control groups (effect size 0.31). Problem solving was linked to a larger effect, social reward to a smaller one.
Ma H, Wang A, Pei R, Piao M · 2023 · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 20(1):109
What does this rating mean?
A solid systematic review with caveats, or consistent indications with a limited scope.
Findings
Interventions focused on habit formation strengthen the degree to which exercise becomes automatic.
Size of the research
Ten studies of relatively high quality. The total number of participants is not given in the abstract.
What to keep in mind
The effect was larger when measured up to 12 weeks afterwards than later. The studies measured the habit itself, not how much people moved.
Practical conclusion for REZA
The evidence behind REZA's approach to consistency: working with fixed moments and links to existing routines, not motivation.
View method and source
Methodology
Meta-analysis with meta-regression
Original source
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01493-3 · PMID: 37700303
View on PubMed →This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.