The effects of a theory-informed intervention on physical activity behaviour, motivation and well-being of frontline aged care workers: A pilot study with 6-month follow-up.

Abstract

Due to the nature of their jobs, frontline aged care workers may be a population at risk of poor health and lifestyle habits. Support of their well-being through the workplace is likely to be complex. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a need-supportive program for changing physical activity and psychological well-being via the motivational processes of behavioural regulations and perceived need satisfaction. Frontline aged care workers (n = 25) participated in a single cohort, pre-post pilot trial. The program included a Motivational Interviewing style appointment, education on goal setting and self-management, the use of affect, exertion and self-pacing for regulating physical activity intensity and practical support activities. Outcomes (7-day accelerometery, 6-min walk, K10 and AQoL-8D), and motivational processes (BREQ-3 and PNSE) were measured at baseline, 3 and 9 months, and analysed using linear mixed models for repeated measures. There were significant increases in perceived autonomy at 3 months (Δ .43 ± SE: .20; p = .03) and 6-min walk distance at 9 months (Δ 29.11 m ± SE: 13.75; p = .04), which appeared to be driven by the relative autonomy index (behavioural regulations in exercise questionnaire [BREQ-3]). Amotivation increased at 3 months (Δ .23 ± SE:.12; p = .05); which may have been due to low scores at baseline. No other changes were demonstrated at any timepoint. SO WHAT?: Participants demonstrated positive changes in motivational processes and physical function, however, due to the low levels of participation in the program, the program had a negligible impact at the organisational level. Future researchers and aged care organisations should aim to address factors impacting participation in well-being initiatives.