Table 1 Overview of categorization of intervention components

Intervention

PA monitor as main intervention component

Additional to usual care, indication-specific intervention (e.g., weight-loss program) or structured behavioral intervention

Device

Pedometer (limited to the assessment of steps during walking)

PA monitor (enable to assess other activities)

Consumer grade device

Research grade device

Use of corresponding application or web platform

Main PA target

Steps per day

time of walking/light intensity PA per day

Sedentary time per day

Goal- setting

Fixed goals (e.g., 7.000 steps/day)

Based on individual PA data (e.g., baseline step count)

Goal- setting standardization

Tailoring during the intervention

Self-monitoring

Using PA monitor

Feedback

By PA monitor/application only

Additional feedback provided

Feedback only provided by coach

Frequency (daily, (≤ once per week, > once per week)

BCTs

Use of other BCT components besides feedback, goal setting and self-monitoring

BCT counseling

Individual or group-based

Mediation mode (face-to-face, telephone or other)

Frequency (≤ once per week, > once per week)