Training Trainers

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral strategies (CBS) have shown to be an effective way to increase physical activity (PA); however, many kinesiology students are not trained to deliver such strategies (Brawley, 2013) PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to explore if training students to use cognitive behavioral skills training (CBST) when working with clients was an effective way for increasing PA level of clients. This study also aimed at investigating changes in clients’ self-efficacy (SE) to be physically active as well as students’ self-efficacy to deliver these cognitive behavioral strategies. METHODS: 28 students (age: 23.5±2.4) received CBST as part of an upper division kinesiology class. All students were matched with a client (N=27, 25.0±11.1) who was seeking to increase their PA. Students met with their clients for a minimum of 5 visits over the course of 6 weeks. At the first and last meeting with students and clients, clients’ levels of SE were measured using a multidimensional SE scale consisting of three subscales (task, coping, and planning SE; Roger et al., 2008). Clients’ physical activity was assessed using Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin & Shephard, 1985). Students’ SE was measured using a 10-item measure developed for this study. Paired t-tests were performed to compare differences between pre and post scores. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in PA levels of clients (p=.01). Clients’ scheduling SE also significantly increased from pre intervention levels (p=.012) whereas client’s coping SE showed a positive trend that did not reach significance (p=.077). Students SE to deliver cognitive behavioral strategies also increased significantly during the course of the class (p=.003). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide preliminary evidence that CBST may be an effective way to increase clients’ PA and scheduling SE along with students’ SE to deliver CBS.