Changing implicit attitudes for physical activity with associative learning

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of 4‑day exposure to posters pairing physical activity or sedentary behavior with positive stimuli on implicit attitudes toward physical activity versus sedentary behavior, and physical activity measured with accelerometers. This study was conducted among participants enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Participants (N = 79) were randomized into groups exposed to (i) posters of people being physically active, (ii) posters of people engaged in sedentary behaviors, or (iii) control, not exposed. Over four days, different posters were put in patients’ bedrooms. Participants were not informed of the link between the intervention and the evaluations. Implicit attitudes were measured with an Implicit Association Test at the start and at the end of the intervention. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers the weekend after the intervention. Regarding implicit attitudes, results showed a non-significant time × group interaction. There were also no significant differences between groups regarding physical activity. Bayesian analyses confirmed these null hypotheses. Putting posters pairing physical activity stimuli with positive stimuli in patients’ bedroom during a rehabilitation program did not impact their implicit attitudes or physical activity behavior. Other studies are needed to develop effective interventions targeting implicit attitudes.