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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Evidence Tools
MCHbest. Physical Activity.

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Strategy. Individual Supports

Approach. Provide individually-tailored behavior change strategies through counseling, goal setting, peer support, summer camps or community efforts, or virtual coaching

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Overview. Individually tailoring physical activity strategies for incorporation into daily routines may improve overall physical activity in children, adolescents, and their families. Strategies may include teaching behavioral skills, such as goal setting and problem solving, as well as counseling or peer-influenced guidance to help achieve an active lifestyle. These interventions can also include community-based elements such as summer camps for youth groups and may also use technology as a part of the intervention strategy. Technological services may include coaching or individualized guidance through texts or virtual mailings. Examples of studies with positive outcomes used promotion of physical activity from coaches in a sports camp and organized physical-activity opportunities within a summer camp.[1, 2]

Evidence. Emerging Evidence. Strategies based on emerging evidence show promise but have not undergone extensive testing. While these approaches demonstrate potential, their effectiveness remains unconfirmed. Prioritize rigorous monitoring to ensure they achieve desired outcomes for all MCH populations.

Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library or related evidence source.

Potential Data Sources. Data to support this strategy can be accessed through:

  • Individual participant progress tracking
  • Virtual coaching platform data
  • Peer support group attendance and activity logs

Outcome Components. This strategy has shown to have impact on the following outcomes (Read more about these categories):

  • Health and Health Behaviors/Behavior Change. This strategy improves individuals' physical and mental health and their adoption of healthy behaviors (e.g., healthy eating, physical activity).

Detailed Outcomes. For specific outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, access the peer-reviewed evidence and read the Intervention Results for each study.

Intervention Type. Counseling (Read more about intervention types and levels as defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel).

Intervention Level. Individual/Family-Focused

Examples from the Field. Access descriptions of ESMs that use this strategy or aligned components.

Sample ESMs. Here are sample ESMs to use as models for your own measures using the RBA framework (see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies).

Quadrant 1:
Measuring Quantity of Effort (“What/how much did we do?”)

  • Number of evidence-based individually-adapted physical activity programs implemented. (Assesses adherence to best practices)
  • Number of personalized physical activity plans developed for participants. (Measures tailored approach)

Quadrant 2:
Measuring Quality of Effort (“How well did we do it?”)

  • Percent of individual support strategies that incorporate motivational interviewing techniques. (Measures use of evidence-based counseling approaches)
  • Percent of program staff trained in trauma-informed care. (Evaluates capacity for sensitive service delivery)

Quadrant 3:
Measuring Quantity of Effect (“Is anyone better off?”)

  • Number of local healthcare providers integrating physical activity counseling into routine care. (Shows integration into healthcare systems)
  • Number of technology-based tools developed to support ongoing individual physical activity tracking. (Assesses innovative support mechanisms)
  • Number of individuals with previously low activity levels transitioning to regular physical activity through individualized support. (Quantifies behavior change in groups facing higher health risks)
  • Number of new physical activity opportunities created based on individual participant feedback. (Assesses responsive program development)

Quadrant 4:
Measuring Quality of Effect (“How are they better off?”)

  • Percent of program resources allocated to reaching individuals with greatest challenges to physical activity. (Measures strategic resource deployment)
  • Percent of support strategies tailored to address unique needs of different age groups and ability levels. (Assesses program design)
  • Percent increase in physical activity levels among participants, disaggregated by key characteristics. (Directly evaluates behavior change across subgroups)
  • Percent reduction in gaps in physical activity participation between individuals of different statuses. (Measures improvements in health access)

Note. When looking at your ESMs, SPMs, or other strategies:

  1. Move from measuring quantity to quality.
  2. Move from measuring effort to effect.
  3. Quadrant 1 strategies should be used sparingly, when no other data exists.
  4. The most effective measurement combines strategies in all levels, with most in Quadrants 2 and 4.

Learn More. Read how to create stronger ESMs and how to measure ESM impact more meaningfully through Results-Based Accountability.

References

[1] Guagliano JM, Kolt GS, Rosenkranz RR, Dzewaltowski DA. Does self-determined motivation interact with environmental contexts to influence moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during a girls' youth sport camp? Journal of Sports Sciences. 2019 Dec;37(23):2720-2725.

2 Rauber SB, Castro HO, Marinho A, Vicente JB, Ribeiro HL, Monteiro LZ, Praça IR, Simoes HG, Campbell CSG. Effects of a physical activity and nutritional intervention in overweight and obese children through an educational and recreational camp. Nutrition and Health. 2018 Sep;24(3):145-152.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U02MC31613, MCH Advanced Education Policy, $3.5 M. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.