Abstract
Positive Deviance(PD)is an inductive method to promote behavior change. Studies on physical activity promotion using the PD approach have not been comprehensively investigated. This study aimed to examine research trends and effectivness of PD research on physical activity promotion using a scoping review approach.
Methods: Original articles published in PubMed，CINAHL，Web of Science，and medical journals were searched until June 2022 and screened according to the eligibility criteria.
Results: Twenty-two articles were included，16 identifying PD behaviors，and 6 were intervention studies. The PD approach was used in North America to prevent obesity and inactivity and characterized by individualized interventions by mentors，environmental resource use，and social support. The evidence from intervention studies is limited.
Conclusion: The PD approach in physical activity promotion was applied to identify PD at the individual and community levels to prevent obesity and inactivity. Further cumulative research is needed to validate the evidence and adapt the PD approach to physical activity promotion.
