Closing the Gap Between Physical Activity Intentions and Sustained Behavior: An Overview of Evidence

This visual overview of evidence examines the intention–physical activity (I–PA) gap, where positive intentions often fail to translate into behavior, a central challenge in physical activity (PA) promotion. Although intentions are necessary precursors to PA, nearly half of individuals with positive intentions do not follow through, underscoring the importance of identifying predictors of successful intention enactment for theory and practice. Evidence highlights reflective processes (i.e., affective judgments and self-efficacy/perceived control), regulatory processes (i.e., planning and self-monitoring), and reflexive processes (i.e., habit and identity) as key predictors of intention translation. Interventions targeting these constructs as mechanisms of action (MoAs) show small to medium effects on PA, but progress is limited by heterogeneity in behavior-change technique (BCT) application and under-examination of some MoAs. Closing the I–PA gap requires strengthening behavioral regulation, supporting positive affect, and aligning behavior with identity. By synthesizing theory and evidence across four figures, this review illustrates the role of intention in behavioral theories, the I–PA gap, I–PA moderators, and a logic model aligning BCTs with MoAs, offering practical guidance for researchers and practitioners. Future research using sustained experimental designs, including factorial studies, which precisely link BCTs to MoAs will be essential for developing interventions to close the gap between intentions and sustained PA.