Applications of the Behavior Change Wheel in promoting physical activity among children and adolescents: A scoping review

Abstract

Background Physical inactivity among children and adolescents remains a major global public health concern, yet the ways in which behavioral theory is applied to inform physical activity (PA) interventions are often insufficiently described. The Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) model provides a systematic framework for linking behavioral determinants to intervention content, but its application in PA promotion for this population has not been comprehensively mapped. Methods This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported following the PRISMA-ScR guideline. Seven electronic databases were searched for studies published since 2011 that explicitly applied the BCW to promote PA among children and adolescents. Data were charted on study characteristics, targeted components of the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, BCW intervention functions, behavior change techniques, and implementation outcomes. Results Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most applications focused on intervention development, co-design, or feasibility rather than effectiveness evaluation. Psychological capability and reflective motivation were the most frequently targeted COM-B components, and education, training, and enablement were the dominant intervention functions. Commonly used behavior change techniques included goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring, feedback, and social support. Functions involving coercion or restriction were rarely used. Reporting of implementation outcomes was inconsistent, with limited attention to reach, penetration, and sustainability. Conclusions In studies using the BCW framework, PA interventions for children and adolescents predominantly emphasize individual-level self-regulation strategies, with less focus on opportunity-level change and implementation sustainability. Greater transparency in theoretical mapping and stronger integration of implementation considerations are needed to enhance the translation of theory-based interventions into practice.