Background <p>Movement-based therapists, including physical, exercise, and sport therapists, play a key role in promoting physical activity in individuals with non-communicable diseases. However, no clear consensus exists on effective intervention approaches. This scoping review examines available intervention studies and theoretical works for physical activity promotion in movement-based therapy.</p> Methods <p>In accordance with Colquhoun et al.‘s framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO until March 31, 2024. Eligible records described physical activity-promoting concepts including interventional studies and theoretical works applicable in movement-based therapies for individuals with non-communicable diseases. Data extraction covered assessment, therapeutic content, didactic-methodological principles, and theoretical underpinnings. Interventions were categorized based on behavior change techniques (BCTs), the behavior change wheel, and a clinical reasoning model for clients behavior change. Network analysis explored relationships between therapeutic content and didactic-methodological principles.</p> Results <p>Fifty-seven records met inclusion criteria; 77% were intervention studies, and 23% were theoretical works. Most concepts originated from orthopedics/rheumatology (23%), neurology (21%), and oncology (9%), while 12% were generic concepts. Across concepts, 66 biopsychosocial assessment instruments and 60 BCTs were applied (Median BCTs per concept: 11.5, range: 4–37). Key didactic-methodological principles included tailoring/individualization (<i>n</i> = 47), active participation (<i>n</i> = 39), collaborative communication (<i>n</i> = 21), and patient self-responsibility and independence (<i>n</i> = 14). Least mentioned was facilitating positive movement experiences and enjoyment of physical activity (<i>n</i> = 3). Network analysis identified action planning, goal setting, and feedback as central BCTs.</p> Conclusion <p>This review provides an overview of 57 physical activity promotion concepts used in movement-based therapies for individuals with non-communicable diseases. Findings reveal considerable heterogeneity, highlighting diverse strategies used by movement-based therapists to influence physical activity behavior.</p> Trial registration <p>Open Science Framework (OSF), December 23, 2022 (DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AXZSJ">https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AXZSJ</a>).</p>