Examining long-term motivational and behavioral outcomes of two physical activity interventions

Abstract

Objective To examine possible impacts of two theory-based interventions – “Enhancing quality of life through exercise: A tele-rehabilitation approach (TEQ) and Active Living Lifestyles for individuals with SCI who use Wheelchair (ALLWheel)” – 12–18 months post-intervention on the satisfaction of psychological needs and motivation for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), LTPA participation, and participation experience. Design A mixed-methods follow-up study. Setting Community. Participants Sixteen TEQ and six ALLWheel participants completed questionnaires and a semi-structured interview, 12–18 months after completing the interventions. Intervention TEQ intervention participants received a weekly LTPA counseling session with a trained kinesiologist through videoconferencing for 8 weeks. ALLWheel participants interacted with a peer mentor who provided LTPA counseling using smartphones for 10 weeks. Outcome Measures The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise, and the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire were used as primary outcome measures. The LTPA barrier self-efficacy scale, the Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation, and the 7-day LTPA Questionnaire for Adults with SCI were used as secondary outcome measures. A coding framework was created and deductive thematic analyses were used to analyze the qualitative data. Results Medium to large effects were found for autonomous motivation (TEQ), competence (TEQ and ALLWheel), and barrier self-efficacy (TEQ and ALLWheel). LTPA remained higher for the TEQ intervention group compared to the control group at follow-up, while an increase in moderate-to-vigorous LTPA was found in ALLWheel participants. Conclusion Community-based tele-rehabilitation and virtual rehabilitation approaches, informed by theory, may assist adults with SCI in implementing LTPA over the long term.