A systematic review on barriers and facilitators to physical activity interventions programmes among UK adults during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation in March 2022, resulting in over 115,0000 deaths worldwide by October of the same year. Only 25% of adults worldwide undertake the recommended levels of Physical activity (PA) for their respective age ranges, potentially exacerbating the symptoms associated with contraction of COVID-19 and recovery. This review aims to identify specific barriers and facilitators to engagement with PA interventions that were implemented during the pandemic. This quantitative study was undertaken adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses. A systematic search was conducted of the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, AMED, Cochrane, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Quality appraisal of selected papers was conducted through the CASP tool, with data extraction by two independent reviewers thereby minimising bias. This was then followed by a meta-analysis of the resulting data; however, no eligible studies were identified. Whilst 258 papers were identified through the database searches, following removal of duplicates (n = 19), the remaining 239 were screened, of these 237 were excluded on title and abstract, with the remaining two subsequently excluded following full read due to failure to meet the inclusion criteria. This review identified research gaps in the study.

Keywords:

• Adults
• barriers
• facilitators
• physical activity
• intervention
• COVID-19
• programmes

REVIEW EDITOR:

• Joe Thomas, Institute of Health and Management, Australia

SUBJECTS:

• Physical Activity and Health
• Education – Social Sciences
• Public Health Policy and Practice

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Abiola Fashina for the proofreading of this final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Johnson Mbabazi

Dr. Johnson Mbabazi is an associate lecturer at Teesside University. He is also the co-founder and chairman of the Teesside University Health Students Research Network (TUHSRN). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health, a Fellow of the European Public Health Association, and an associate of the Royal College of Physicians. He has published a lot of peer-reviewed articles and books. A multiple international award-winning author, lifetime author award winner and UK Plaque winner.

Fiona MacGregor

Fiona MacGregor is a Principal Lecturer for International, SHLS Allied Health at Teesside University and a senior staff member of the Teesside University Health Student Research Network (TUHSRN).

Jeff Breckon

Prof. Jeff Breckon is an associate dean for Research and Innovation in the School of Health and Life Sciences at Teesside University, mentor, and Co-founder of TUHSRN.

Barry Tolchard

Prof. Barry Tolchard is the director of Integrated Care Academy, mentor, and a Co-founder of TUHSRN.

Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso

Dr. Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso is a Doctor of Public Health at Teesside University, part time lecturer at Makerere University and an executive committee member of TUHSRN.

George William Kagugube

George William Kagugube is an associate lecturer and a PhD student at University College London as well as a member of TUHSRN.

Edward Kunonga

Prof. Edward Kunonga is public health consultant, lecturer, mentor, and member of TUHSRN at Teesside University.

Mona Salman

Dr. Mona Salman is Doctor of Public Health at Teesside University and a member TUHSRN.

Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

Dr. Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi is a Senior Lecturer in Research Methods Programme Leader Doctorate in Public Health mentor and a Co-founder of the TUHSRN.