Work

Behaviour change techniques and physical activity outcomes in interventions for children with type 1 diabetes: A scoping review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines and be physically active than their peers. This scoping review aimed to identify and describe existing physical activity interventions for children with T1D. Six databases were systematically searched for peer reviewed articles published in English from the year 2000 until June 1, 2025 Interventions for children with T1D were included if they reported physical activity as an outcome. Intervention details were extracted, and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were coded using the BCT Taxonomy (v1). Twelve studies were included. Sample sizes ranged from 8 to 42 participants; mean age was 11.70 ± 3.88 years. Median intervention length was 11 weeks. Accelerometry was the most frequently used modality (n = 7) to measure physical activity. Three interventions observed significant improvements in physical activity. All studies reported a range of BCT combinations. On average, a total of 5 BCTs were used (max = 9, min = 3) for each intervention. No clear association was found between BCTs (number and/or type) used and physical activity improvements. This review highlights the paucity of physical activity interventions for children with T1D. Results suggest that certain BCTs may be promising, yet warrant further exploration in subsequent studies.

Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2026.113321