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

Julia Schüler (), Matti T. J. Heino, Natàlia Balagué, Angel M. Chater, Markus Gruber, Martina Kanning, Daniel Keim, Daniela Mier, Maria Moreno-Villanueva, Fridtjof W. Nussbeck, Jens Pruessner, Termeh Shafie, Michael Schwenk and Maik Bieleke
Additional contact information
Julia Schüler: University of Konstanz
Matti T. J. Heino: University of Heidelberg
Natàlia Balagué: Unversity of Barcelona
Angel M. Chater: University of Bedfordshire
Markus Gruber: University of Konstanz
Martina Kanning: University of Konstanz
Daniel Keim: University of Konstanz
Daniela Mier: University of Konstanz
Maria Moreno-Villanueva: University of Konstanz
Fridtjof W. Nussbeck: University of Konstanz
Jens Pruessner: University of Konstanz
Termeh Shafie: University of Konstanz
Michael Schwenk: University of Konstanz
Maik Bieleke: University of Konstanz

Nature Human Behaviour, 2025, vol. 9, issue 9, 1793-1801

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02279-2

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