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Increasing physical activity (PA) and/or decreasing sedentary behaviors is important in the delay and prevention of long-term conditions. PA can help maintain function and independence and decrease the need for hospitalization/institutionalization. Activity rates often decline in later life resulting in a need for interventions that encourage uptake and adherence through the use of Behavior Change Techniques (BCTs). We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for interventions that included BCTs in community-dwelling adults with a mean age of 50–70. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. The interventions were psychosocial, nonpharmacological, and noninvasive interventions utilizing components based on BCTs that evaluated change in PA and/or sedentary behavior. Intervention Component Analysis (ICA) was used to synthesize effectiveness of intervention components. Twelve randomized controlled trials were included in this review. The mean sample age was 50–64. Thirteen BCTs were used across all studies, and the most commonly used techniques were goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, and natural consequences. Seven intervention components linked with BCTs were found: personalized goal setting, tailored feedback from facilitators, on-site and postintervention support, education materials and resources, reinforcing change on behavior and attitudes, self-reported monitoring, and social connectedness. All components, except for social connectedness, were associated with improved health behavior and PA levels. The interventions that use BCTs have incorporated strategies that reinforce change in behavior and attitudes toward PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sarcopenia is characterised by the progressive weakening of muscle function that occurs with age. This condition frequently leads to frailty, disability and even death. Research on sarcopenia prevention is growing. Digital health exercise interventions are increasingly gaining attention in this field, with the rapid advancement of the internet and the influence of the COVID-19. However, there is a lack of empirical support for their effectiveness. Our study aims to assess the effect of digital health exercise intervention on sarcopenia in older persons, specifically focusing on its ability to improve muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance., Methods and Analysis: Searching will be performed in the following 11 databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WOS, Scopus, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG and VIP) for published trials and 2 trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) for unpublished trials. Google Scholar will be used to find grey literature. The criterion of inclusion will be clinical trials involving digital health exercise interventions in older adults (≥60 years) diagnosed with sarcopenia (possible, confirmed or severe sarcopenia). For data synthesis, we will use a summary table to show the major characteristics of selected trials and a summary graph to demonstrate the risk of bias for each outcome using RoB 2, which will be further discussed in a narrative synthesis. The possibility of meta-analysis for quantitative data will be assessed according to the homogeneity analysis of the trials, using the methods of fixed or random effects model. If meta-analysis is possible, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be performed as well. Publication bias will be assessed through the use of the funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test when an adequate number of trials are available. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach will be used to classify the certainty of evidence body into four categories (high, moderate, low and very low)., Ethics and Dissemination: The findings of the systematic review will be shared through publishing in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at appropriate conferences. Since we will not be using specific patient data, ethical approval is unnecessary., Prospero Registration Number: CRD42024516930., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)