Katherine E. Spring^1,, Jan Kavookjian², Alexandra V. Carroll¹, Danielle D. Wadsworth¹

Research indicates that approximately 80% of adolescents do not meet the physical activity (PA) recommendations for Americans. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is one method researchers have examined to increase PA. This systematic review aimed to 1) explore the literature on the effects of MI on PA levels among adolescents and 2) report on the current state of the MI and adolescent PA literature for evidence and gaps. A modified Cochrane method of the systematic review was conducted within relevant databases (PsycInfo, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, SCI-EXPANDED, and SSCI). The lead author conducted an initial review of the titles and abstracts. The second review tier consisted of three authors independently conducting a full-text review of the remaining articles, discussing to a consensus whether to retain or reject each article based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of the 392 articles initially identified, nine studies were retained in the review. Three of the nine studies found that MI had a statistically significant impact on PA behaviors in adolescents. Two studies found that MI significantly impacted Body Mass Index or body composition. Generalizations are limited due to heterogeneity. Despite this, results indicate that MI is a possible pathway to improve PA behavior in adolescents.

physical activity, adolescent, motivational interviewing