The role of theoretical models in explaining physical activity among college students: a systematic review

Abstract

Engaging in physical activity is a crucial factor in preventing chronic diseases and maintaining the overall wellness and health of young adults. However, recent studies revealed a significant decline in the level of physical activity (PA) among college students. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systemic assessment of existing research to identify the impact of several prominent theories and models used to promote PA among college students. A systematic review has been conducted to assess the impact of several theories and models that have been used to promote PA among college students. A comprehensive search was conducted in PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, ERIC, Education Abstracts, PubMed, and CINAHL databases to identify studies focusing on interventions aimed at promoting PA among college students. The relevant findings from the chosen papers were extracted, evaluated for the quality of evidence, and summarized using The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method. Out of the 1634 articles that were discovered, only 20 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The prevailing theories utilized in PA intervention include the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), and the Ecological Model. The results of this paper support tailored PA models that consider personal, social, and environmental factors that would enhance the understanding we have of the factors that influence PA in college students.