A complex systems view on physical activity with actionable insights for behaviour change

Nature Human Behavior

Authors

Affiliations

Julia Schüler

Sport Psychology Lab, Department of of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Germany

Matti T. J. Heino

Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

Natàlia Balagué

Complex Systems in Sport Research Group, Institut Nacional d’Educació Fisica de Catalunya (INEFC), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Angel M. Chater

Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK
Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK

Markus Gruber

Training and Movement Science, Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Germany

Martina Kanning

Social and Health Science, Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Germany

Daniel Keim

Data Analysis and Visualization, Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Konstanz, Germany

Daniela Mier

Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany

Maria Moreno-Villanueva

Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Germany

Fridtjof W. Nussbeck

Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany

Jens C. Pruessner

Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany

Termeh Shafie

Center for Data and Methods, University of Konstanz, Germany

Michael Schwenk

Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Germany

Maik Bieleke

Sport Psychology Lab, Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Germany

Abstract

Physical inactivity and its associated health and economic burdens continue to rise despite decades of interdisciplinary research aimed at promoting physical activity. This Perspective takes a complex systems view on physical activity, proposing that at least two layers of complexity should be considered: (1) interactions between various physiological, psychological, social and environmental systems; and (2) their dynamic interactions across time. To address this complexity, all stages of the research process—from theory and measurement to study design, analysis and interventions—must be aligned with a complex systems perspective. This alignment requires intensive interdisciplinary collaboration and an integration of basic and applied research beyond current research practices to create transdisciplinary solutions. We offer actionable insights that bridge the gap between abstract theoretical approaches (for example, complex systems and attractor landscape frameworks of behaviour change) and practical research on physical activity, thereby laying a foundation for more effective behaviour change interventions.

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