Evaluation of the utility of group-based physical activity among university students: a systematic review protocol.

Journal: BMJ open

Volume: 15

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2025

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe anotidarhove@gmail.com. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe. Department of Psychiatry, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe. Primary Healthcare Sciences, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Abstract summary 

Sedentary behaviours are a prevalent issue among university students worldwide. The negative impact of low physical activity (PA) levels among university students on mental and physical health is well-documented. Regular PA is linked to numerous health benefits and protects against non-communicable diseases. While group-based physical activity (GBPA) interventions show promise, their effectiveness in increasing PA levels among university students remains uncertain. This review aims to identify, evaluate and elucidate the key determinants of successful GBPA interventions tailored to this population.We will search articles from PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus via EBSCOhost, Africa-Wide, PsycInfo and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. We will perform article screening, data extraction and quality assessment of eligible studies in duplicate. The risk of bias in individual studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for randomised control trials, Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions for non-randomised interventional studies and Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies - of Exposure. We will conduct a narrative synthesis of the findings. If there is homogeneity of primary outcomes, we will perform a meta-analysis to appraise evidence across studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to synthesise the quality of evidence across studies.Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review protocol; we will analyse published primary studies. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.CRD42024553196.

Authors & Co-authors:  Hove Anotida R AR Makuzo Lynne L Shanu Ruramayi R Chaka Paidamoyo Monalisa PM Munyoro Isaac I Sithole Panashe P Mugova Israella Hellen IH Murape Mellisa M Muchinani Hardlife H Doyce Shalom Rutendo SR Shava Beatrice K BK Tunduwani Tariro Dee TD Muchemwa Sidney S Chibanda Dixon D Dambi Jermaine J

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Bigna JJ, Noubiap JJ. The rising burden of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Glob Health. 2019;7:e1295–6. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(19)30370-5.
Authors :  15
Identifiers
Doi : e091685
SSN : 2044-6055
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Attitude;Exercise;PUBLIC HEALTH;Physical Fitness
Study Design
Narrative Study
Study Approach
Systemic Review
Country of Study
Publication Country
England