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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. Individually-Adapted Physical Activity Programs

Approach. Promote physical activity programs that use behavior change techniques

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Overview. Individually-adapted physical activity programs teach behavioral skills that can help participants incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. Behavioral skills often include goal-setting, self-monitoring, positive self-talk, and self-reward systems. Individually-adapted programs are developed to align with personal interests, preferences, and abilities. Programs also include efforts to develop social support systems and proactive plans to prevent relapse into sedentary behavior. (CG-Physical activity).

Evidence. Scientifically Rigorous Evidence. Strategies based on scientifically rigorous evidence are proven effective across multiple robust studies. While success is highly likely, local impact may vary. Monitor outcomes and use data to tailor these strategies to the community's unique needs.

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:

  • Participant intake and assessment forms
  • Goal setting and progress tracking logs
  • Facilitator/coach training and fidelity checklists

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. Health Teaching (Education and Promotion) (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 individual support programs implemented across multiple settings. (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 programs incorporating all key behavioral change techniques (e.g., goal-setting, self-monitoring, positive self-talk). (Measures comprehensiveness)
  • Percent of program materials adapted for varying literacy levels and varying backgrounds. (Assesses program design)
  • Percent of participants reporting increased self-efficacy for maintaining physical activity. (Measures changes in attitudes)
  • Percent of participants achieving their personalized physical activity goals. (Assesses effectiveness of individualized approach)

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

  • Number of participants reporting increased self-efficacy for maintaining physical activity following participation in personalized physical activity plans. (Measures changes in attitudes)
  • Number of participants achieving their personalized physical activity goals following implementation of personalized physical activity plans. (Assesses effectiveness of individualized approach)
  • Number of participants transitioning from sedentary to regularly active lifestyles following participation in personalized physical activity plans. (Quantifies significant behavior change)
  • Number of new physical activity opportunities created based on participant feedback and needs. (Assesses responsive program development)

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

  • Percent of participants reporting increased self-efficacy for maintaining physical activity following participation in personalized physical activity plans. (Measures changes in attitudes)
  • Percent of participants achieving their personalized physical activity goals following implementation of personalized physical activity plans. (Assesses effectiveness of individualized approach)
  • Percent of participants transitioning from sedentary to regularly active lifestyles following participation in personalized physical activity plans. (Quantifies significant behavior change)
  • Percent of new physical activity opportunities created based on participant feedback and needs. (Assesses responsive program development)

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


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.