Effectiveness of Interventions to Improve Physical Activity Levels Among Ethnic Minorities in the United Kingdom: A Systematic Review

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Abstract
Background: Ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom (UK) show low levels of engagement in physical activity (PA), which may be central to observed health disparities. There is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of available interventions, including those involving digital tools such as mobile applications and wearable trackers, aimed at improving PA levels in these groups. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, including digital interventions, in improving PA levels amongst UK ethnic minority groups. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to systematically search for experimental and quasiexperimental studies involving UK ethnic minority adults (mean age: 18–65 years). Systematic searches were conducted across six databases from February to April 2024, including both digital and nondigital interventions. Studies were included regardless of publication date, while those involving participants with major physical, mental, or chronic diseases were excluded. The outcome assessed was the change in PA levels postintervention follow‐up. Results: Out of 4114 screened abstracts, three met the inclusion criteria, involving participants of South Asian ethnic minority groups, with one study incorporating a digital intervention. Due to heterogeneity, data were synthesized narratively. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s RoB 2 and ROBINS‐I tools, and methodological quality varied, with one study being unclear and others being of poor quality. Overall, the interventions′ effectiveness in improving PA levels was inconclusive due to the insignificance of the findings and the high risk of bias. However, most incorporated cultural sensitivity and theoretical frameworks. Conclusion: While global evidence shows promise in improving PA levels among ethnic minorities in high‐income countries, particularly through culturally sensitive and digital inclusive measures, the UK context reveals a significant gap. Inconclusive findings from the few available studies highlight the need for rigorous, high‐quality interventions aimed at increasing PA levels designed for UK minority ethnic groups to address health disparities.

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