In the past 20 years, the field of health promotion research has grown considerably

trying to obtain a better health for all. Based on my own research, and my

interpretation of the state-of-the-art, I believe that we need to rethink health

promotion research. We need to develop interventions based on assumptions of selfregulation

and empowerment leading to skills and competences that can be applied in

changing situations and contexts.

The general objective of this research project is to prospectively develop and evaluate

new interventions that are matched to the individual’s (personal, social and

environmental) characteristics, apply the self-management or self-regulation

approach, and dynamic as they adapt themselves to the changing contexts and

characteristics of the participants.

We will develop mobile health applications on smartphones, tablets, … following the

self-regulation approach, and test the effectiveness of this new unique intervention

using a RCT. Physical activity was chosen as the outcome variable, as it is a key

factor in many chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity,

cancer, and has also a major impact on mental health. As very large proportions of the

whole world population are not reaching physical activity recommendations,

changing this health behaviour is a major challenge for society.