Behavioural Regulation In Exercise Questionnaire Research Articles

Autonomous Motivation for Exercise Is Key to an Active Lifestyle in Firefighters.

Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for chronic mental and physical health conditions in firefighters. It remains unclear why a substantial portion of firefighters do not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity (PA) recommendations. In this cross-sectional study, we explored associations between motivational reasons for being physically active and time spent exercising, walking, and in incidental PA in firefighters. A secondary aim was to investigate differences in motivational reasons between physically active versus physically inactive firefighters. Eighty-seven participants (43.1 ± 10.3 years; 87.6% male) who were recruited via a nonprofit peer support network of fire rescue personnel in Flanders, Belgium, completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2 (BREQ-2), Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), and the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) via an online survey. Firefighters who identified the benefits of exercising and/or those who found pleasure or a personal challenge in it exercised more. Those who did not meet the guideline of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week had much less intrinsic motivation. This study demonstrates that autonomous motives for PA (i.e., because it is perceived to be consistent with intrinsic goals or outcomes and emanates from the self) are important for an active lifestyle in firefighters. Occupational health professionals can foster autonomous motivation in firefighters by focusing on the benefits of exercise, making sure there are a wide range of exercise options available, and supporting initiatives of firefighters within the fire station.

Analysis of the motivational processes involved in university physical activity.

Physical activity plays an important role in all stages of development, especially in adolescence, as it is a period in which different lifestyles are shaped. Therefore, regular practice of physical activity contributes to an improvement in quality of life. This study analyzed university students' motivational processes and intention to be physically active when engaging in physical activity (PA) according to gender and fields of study. A total of 1.524 subjects participated in the study, 61.9% (n = 944) of whom were female and 38.1% (n = 580) were male, with an average age of 19.61 years. The fields of study consisted of Arts and Humanities (n = 118), Science (n = 132), Health Sciences (n = 351), Engineering and Architecture (n = 196) and Social and Legal Sciences (n = 727). The instruments used were the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) and the Intention to be Physically Active in the University Context (MIFAU) measurement scale. The results showed statistically significant differences in favour of men (p <0.01) in terms of intrinsic, integrated, identified, and introjected regulation of PA. Similarly, men were more likely to be physically active in the future than women (p <0.001). In terms of the study variables relating to the fields of study, statistically significant differences were obtained in the case of both more self-determined behavior (intrinsic, integrated and identified regulation) and amotivation (p <0.001). It was concluded that there is a need for the promotion of intervention strategies to encourage young adults to take up sporting activities as a means of preventing noncommunicable diseases, thereby avoiding the negative consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, or abandonment of such activities.

Sex and educational level differences in physical activity and motivations to exercise among Spanish children and adolescents.

Children and adolescents worldwide, especially girls, do not meet moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines, a situation which is related to obesity and other comorbidities. Sex/gender differences in the practice of MVPA and motivations to engage in physical activity have not been previously examined among Spanish students considering different educational levels. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore these differences and analyse if motivations mediate the relationship between educational levels and MVPA in a large sample of students.From different schools in the Madrid region (primary: 11,122; lower secondary: 12,379; upper secondary: 3228) 26,729 students (13,491 boys and 13,238 girls; 9-19years old) were recruited to participate in this study. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the third version of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire were used to evaluate, MVPA and motivations to exercise, respectively. Two-way ANCOVA and a mediation analysis were performed.Female students were found to be less active than males (43.4±38.7 and 58.6±45.9min of MVPA; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.023) and showed lower intrinsic (ηp2 = 0.003), and integrated (ηp2 = 0.007) motivations than their male counterparts (p < 0.001). Primary school students were more active than lower and upper secondary students (53.3±44.2, 49.9±42.3 and 48.0±42.8min of MVPA; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.002) and also presented higher intrinsic (ηp2 = 0.011) and integrated (ηp2 = 0.010) motivation than secondary school students (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Among Spanish children and adolescents, females showed lower levels of MVPA and intrinsic and integrated motivation across all the educational levels, and among primary school students in comparison to secondary school. This suggests that inner motivation is more determinant of increased engagement in MVPA and thus, there is need to reinforce it before the transition to secondary school and with special focus on females' preferences. What is Known: •Many children and adolescents worldwide, do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. • Within the self-determination theory, autonomous motivation seems to be the main responsible of greater PA levels. What is New: •This study shows for the first time sex and educational level differences in PA levels in a representative sample of Spanish students (9-19 yrs). •Autonomous motivation decreased from primary school onwards and was lower in female students than in their male counterparts.

Autonomous motivation to reduce sedentary behaviour is associated with less sedentary time and improved health outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal study

BackgroundThis longitudinal study investigated whether changes in autonomous and controlled motivation to reduce sedentary behaviour were associated with variability in sedentary, standing and stepping time and, in turn, disease activity, systemic inflammation, pain and fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsPeople with RA undertook assessments at baseline (T1, n = 104) and 6 months follow-up (T2, n = 54) to determine autonomous and controlled motivation to reduce sedentary behaviour (Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2), free-living sedentary, standing and stepping time (7 days activPAL3μ wear), Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28), systemic inflammation (c-reactive protein [CRP]), pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire) and fatigue (Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale). N = 52 participants provided complete data at T1 and T2. Statistical analyses: In a series of models (A and B), path analyses examined sequential associations between autonomous and controlled motivation to reduce sedentary behaviour with activPAL3μ-assessed behaviours and, in turn, RA outcomes.ResultsModels demonstrated good fit to the data. Model A (sedentary and stepping time): autonomous motivation was significantly negatively associated with sedentary time and significantly positively related to stepping time. In turn, sedentary time was significantly positively associated with CRP and pain. Stepping time was not significantly associated with any health outcomes. Model B (standing time): autonomous motivation was significantly positively associated with standing time. In turn, standing time was significantly negatively related to CRP, pain and fatigue.ConclusionsAutonomous motivation to reduce sedentary behaviour is associated with sedentary and standing time in RA which may, in turn, hold implications for health outcomes.

Correlates of Physical Activity among Preadolescent Filipinos

A resounding call for more contemporary research on the correlates of physical activity in low and middle-income countries has been documented over the years. It was, therefore, the aim of this study to examine the correlates of physical activity in terms of endurance, body mass index, and motivation. Study participants involved 257 students, specifically male (n=137) and female (n=120), ranging from 9 to 11 years old preadolescent Filipinos. The physical activity levels were determined by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), while the cardiorespiratory endurance was assessed by a 3-minute step test. A body mass index (BMI) was calculated and classified using the World Health Organization criteria. Both Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ) and the PAQ-C were used to measure motivation in physical activities. An interview was also conducted for data triangulation. This research yielded the following results: First, endurance (x1) had no direct positive effect on physical activity (y) (β=-.069). Second, BMI (x2) had no direct positive effect on Physical activity (y) (β=.023). Third, motivation (x3) had a direct positive effect on physical activity (y) (β=.237). Next, endurance (x1) had no direct positive effect on motivation (x3) (β=-.116). Subsequently, BMI (x2) had a direct negative effect on motivation (x3) (β =-.301). Finally, endurance (x1) had a direct positive effect on BMI (x2) (β =.515). Endurance-BMI was considered the most remarkable relationship, garnering the highest standard estimate score of .515. The results also showed that BMI (x1) positively affected endurance (x2). It suggests that higher levels of working heart rate are associated with higher BMI scores of overweight and obese Filipino preadolescents. They had a lower endurance level due to excess body weight.

Resistance strategy to ageism-based frailty in Italian older women in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between resistance to ageism-based frailty (A-BF) and physical activity (PA) and sport in a cohort of women, aged 65 and older, living in Central Italy. The study was conducted in the spring of 2021 when rigorous COVID-19 containment measures were in force across Italy. A quanti-qualitative investigation was carried out in the cohort. A questionnaire to evaluate older women's engagement in (PA) and sport was administered and subsequently semi-structured phone interviews with those subjects who were found to be physically active were conducted to evaluate their forms of resistance to the crisis. A total number of 88 subjects responded and participated in the survey. Two tools were used to determine the study outcomes in the quantitative investigation. An altered version of Godin and Shephard's Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ) was used to evaluate the engagement of women in PA and sport. Moreover, subjects' motivation to exercise was evaluated when they completed the survey using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2), a tool that assesses exercise regulation according to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) framework. The active women resulting from the quantitative investigation were then interviewed in the qualitative investigation, using an interview grid. In the quantitative investigation it was found that PA is correlated with autonomy. Identified and intrinsic regulations prevail in women who are engaged in medium or high PA, vice-versa external regulation, introjected regulation and amotivation prevail in women who are engaged in insufficient PA or who are sedentary. In the qualitative investigation it was found that the participants experienced ambivalence, conflicts and crises at multiple levels (individual, interpersonal and institutional), generating contrasting feelings, which they faced by developing an active, peaceful and silent form of resistance by caring for their bodies and minds engaging in PA and sport.

The Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-4): Psychometric evidence of introjected approach regulation in Portuguese health club exercisers

The assessment of motivation has been a key aspect to the understanding of exercise participation, and research grounded in self-determination theory has presented valid and reliable instruments for that purpose. Given the need to continually refine this latent construct, the present study aimed to translate, adapt, and psychometrically validate a subscale targeting the approach facet of introjection, and to test the pattern of associations between motives for practice, basic psychological needs satisfaction/frustration, and behavioral regulations encompassing the validated introjection subscale, in a sample of health club exercisers.For that purpose, two studies were developed with a total of 1216 health club exercisers. In Study I (n = 806), Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling analysis to test the motivational continuum encompassing the introjected approach subscale were performed. In Study II (n = 410) associations and structural models between intrinsic and extrinsic goal contents, basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration, and behavioral regulations with the new subscale were tested.The correlated seven-factor model with 21 items in Study I displayed good psychometric properties (CFA: χ2 = 481.977 (168), p < .001, CFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.915, SRMR = 0.037, RMSEA = 0.048; ESEM: χ2 = 178.672 (84), p < .001, CFI = 0.980, TLI = 0.949, SRMR = 0.014, RMSEA = 0.037). The introjected approach regulation added to the preexisting factorial structure did not affect the validity and reliability of the instrument. The results from Study II supported a theoretically expected pattern of associations, in which the introjected regulation of approach is positioned between introjected avoidance and identified regulation along the motivational continuum. Additionally, path estimates depicted criterion validity for the new subscale. All in all, this work presents preliminary evidence for an introjected approach regulation subscale that can be used in health club practices for a better understanding of the motivational quality of exercise practice.

Exercise Motivation Among Special Populations

Motivational factors and barriers to exercise are key factors in exercise programming, particularly in programs intended for special populations. PURPOSE: 1) To investigate physical activity and exercise motivation among persons with various chronic health conditions, apparently healthy older adults, and among persons participating in community exercise programs associated with special populations, specifically older adults and those with chronic disease, and 2) Identify barriers to exercise among special populations. METHODS: Surveys comprising of demographics, physical activity (PA) (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)), and exercise motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ2)), and barriers to exercise, were distributed to participants of local community exercise programs targeting special populations, and apparently healthy older adults (n = 208). RESULTS: Significant effects were found for participation in a community exercise program regarding PASE score (F = 3.48, p = .01), amotivation (F = 8.54, p = .00), external regulation (F = 2.71, p = .03), introjected regulation (F = 24.07, p = .00), identified regulation (F = 1.18, p = .34), and for health condition on intrinsic regulation (F = 2.32, p = .03). Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in amotivation scores between those participating in a diabetes prevention program (DPP) (1.5 ± .88) and participants in Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) (0.23 ± .01, p = .00), cardiac rehabilitation (0.16 ± .01, p = .00), Parkinson’s programs (.31 ± .04, p = .00), and Functionally Fit (.23 ± .02, p = .00). Most common barriers cited were COVID-19, time constraints, fatigue, pain, and stress. CONCLUSION: Overall health condition did not appear to have an impact on physical activity or exercise motivation. However, those with osteoporosis and cancer had higher levels of intrinsic motivation toward exercise. Participation in community programs appeared to have a positive impact on physical activity and exercise motivation. Specifically, those participating in cardiac rehab and Functionally Fit had higher levels of PA, and DPP participants had less motivation to exercise. Further analysis is expected comparing participation in community programs vs. no program.

Associations between Perceived Teacher Autonomy Support, Self-Determined Motivation, Physical Activity Habits and Non-Participation in Physical Education in a Sample of Lithuanian Adolescents.

In this cross-sectional study, we tested the associations between teacher autonomy support, self-determined motivation for physical education (PE), physical activity habits and non-participation in physical education in a sample of adolescents. A total of 715 adolescents (of whom 371 (51.89%) were girls) participated. The ages ranged from 14 to 18 years, with mean ages of 16.00 (SD = 0.79) for girls and 15.99 (SD = 0.75) for boys. The study questionnaire consisted of demographic questions and the Learning Climate Questionnaire, Revised Perceived Locus of Causality in Physical Education Questionnaire, Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2, Self-Report Habit Index for Physical Activity, Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, perceived physical fitness and frequency of non-participation in PE classes. The results showed that perceived teacher autonomy support was directly positively associated with physical activity habits and negatively with non-participation in physical education classes. Autonomous motivation for PE was a mediator between perceived teacher autonomy support and physical activity habits, meaning that higher autonomous motivation was related to higher physical activity habits. Motivation for PE was also a mediator between teacher autonomy support and non-participation in PE. Higher autonomous motivation for PE was associated with less frequent non-participation in PE classes. The findings can inform PE teachers’ practice by showing that supporting students’ autonomy and strengthening their self-determined motivation can facilitate increased participation in PE classes and the formation of students’ physical activity habits.

Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis Have Lower Peak Exercise Load Capacity and Exercise Volume Compared with Unaffected Peers.

Background: Sweating and increased skin temperature caused by exercise can reduce physical activity and the willingness to exercise in adolescents with atopic dermatitis. This study was conducted to investigate the exercise load capacity of adolescents with atopic dermatitis and analyzed their exercise behavior and motivation. Methods: Adolescents with and without atopic dermatitis were assigned to the atopic dermatitis group and control group (n = 27 each). Both groups completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test and questionnaires to assess their exercise capacity, weekly exercise volume, exercise motivation, and self-efficacy, respectively. Results: The ratio of measured forced vital capacity to the predicted forced vital capacity and the peak oxygen consumption of the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire scores of the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those of the control group. As for the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2, the scores for the introjected and identified regulations of the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Regarding the Multidimensional Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, the scheduling efficacy and total scores of the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Conclusions: Adolescents with atopic dermatitis had lower peak exercise capacity and lower weekly exercise volume. Furthermore, they lacked the negative feelings toward inactivity and the self-confidence to plan regular exercise independently. The results of this study suggest that adolescents with atopic dermatitis should be encouraged to engage in regular indoor exercise.

TU6.5 Motivation in the Surgical Workforce

Abstract Aims To investigate the motivational spectrum amongst those choosing to work in the theatre environment according to Deci and Ryan's Organismic Integration Theory. Methods The Survey of Current Regulation of Behaviour In Theatres (SCRUB-IT) was adapted from the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) and administered to theatre staff at a UK university hospital in April 2019. Results 48 staff members (surgical consultant n=6, surgical trainee n=9, nurse n=24, healthcare assistant n=9, male(%) 15(31.3), mean age 34 (27–59) years) completed the survey. Respondents had been working in theatres for an average of 11 (2–39) years. The degree of self-motivation to work in the theatre environment was higher in the surgeon group (p=0.037) but there was no significant difference by age (p=0.119) or duration of theatre experience (p=0.227). Conclusion Theatre staff demonstrated a high degree of self-motivation and explanations are likely multifactorial (personal fulfilment, sense of duty, team dynamics, technical challenge) although the Hawthorne effect may bias results. These data could inform targeted recruitment and retainment of staff, whilst further work could compare findings with other medical specialties.

Smartphone-based gamification intervention to increase physical activity participation among patients with coronary heart disease: intermediate results of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This work is financially supported by a Construction Programme of Independent Innovation Ability of Community Health Nursing Engineering Laboratory in Jilin Province (Study code: 2020C038-8) awarded to FL. Background Despite the benefits, patients with coronary heart disease are less likely to engage in physical activity. Gamification is the use of game design elements (such as points, leaderboards, progress bars, and badges) in nongame contexts to increase motivation and engagement. Scientific evidence suggests that smartphone-based gamification interventions have the potential to increase physical activity participation. However, empirical evidence on the efficacy of such interventions among patients with coronary heart disease is still emerging. Purpose This study incorporates behavioral economics into a gamification intervention based on a smartphone app (WeChat applet) to explore whether a gamification intervention can improve participation in physical activity and other related physical and psychological outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods A group of 108 participants (mean age 53.0+10.5, 18.5% female) with coronary heart disease were randomly assigned to three groups (Control group: WeChat applet+step goal setting; Individual group: WeChat applet+step goal setting+gamification; Team group: WeChat applet+step goal setting+gamification+collaboration). The primary outcomes included the change in daily steps and the proportion of patient-days that step goals achieved. Patients also completed Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE), Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ)-3, Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Results Compared with the control group (n=36), participants in the individual group (n=36) had a significantly greater increase in mean daily steps from baseline during the intervention group (difference 988; 95% CI, 259 - 1717; P&amp;lt;0.01), and had a significantly greater proportion of patient-days that step goals achieved (difference 0.38; 95% CI, 0.04 - 0.13; P&amp;lt;.001), competence (difference 0.6, 95% CI, 0.3 - 0.8; P&amp;lt;.001), autonomous motivation (difference 3.3; 95% CI, 2.2 to 4.4; P&amp;lt;.001), weight (difference -1.2, 95% CI, -1.8 to -0.6; P&amp;lt;.001), BMI (difference -0.4; 95% CI -0.6 to -0.2; P&amp;lt;.001) and waist circumference (difference -1.2; 95% CI -1.7 to -0.6; P&amp;lt;.001). Participants in team group (n=36) had a significantly greater increase in competence (difference 0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.6; P&amp;lt;.001), relatedness (difference 0.9; 95% CI 0.7 to 1.2; P&amp;lt;.001), autonomous motivation (difference 3.0; 95% CI 2.1 to 4.0; P&amp;lt;.001),however, no significant difference of change in step counts was found between team group and control group. Conclusions A smartphone-based gamification intervention may be an effective way to promote physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease within 12 weeks if we incorporate appropriate game elements into the smartphone application.

Self-Efficacy, Exercise Anticipation and Physical Activity in Elderly: Using Bayesian Networks to Elucidate Complex Relationships.

AimTo explore the correlation of exercise anticipation, self-efficacy and lower limb function in the elderly, and identify active predictors of exercise. The time up and go (TUG) has been used to access basic mobility skills, as well as strength, balance and agility, which is used in a range of population.MethodsA cross-sectional survey approach was employed in this study, assessing the functional relationship of the level of exercise anticipation, modified gait efficacy scale (mGES), self-efficacy for exercise scale (SEE), perceived efficacy of patient–physician interactions (PEPPI-10), behavioral regulation in exercise questionnaire (BREQ), and the time up and go (TUG) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Consequently, we constructed the Bayesian network model utilizing Genie 2.3, in order to effectively determine clear negative and positive correlations.ResultsThis investigation incorporated a total of 285 patients. The results of Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that the TUG effectively correlated with age (r = 0.158, P < 0.01), drinking (r=−0.362, P < 0.01), mGES (r=−0.254, P < 0.01), PEPPI (r=−0.329, P < 0.01), SEE (r =−0.408, P < 0.01), BREQ (r = 0.676, P < 0.01), EA (r =−0.688, P < 0.01) and IPAQ (r =−0.742, P < 0.01). TUG can be used as the direct influencing factor of IPA, and five nodes in the model can be considered the primary indirect influencing factors of TUG, such as drinking, EA, age, sex and mGES in Bayesian network. The sensitivity analysis of the model confirmed that TUG (0.059), drinking (0.087), EA (0.335), age (0.080), sex (0.164), mGES (0.028) and hypertension (0.030) can become the sensitivity evaluation indicators of IPAQ in the elderly community population, in which the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 59.6% (2207/3705), indicating a suitable prediction performance.ConclusionExercise anticipation and life behavior habit can effectively predict physical activity capability in the elderly. These findings can help clinicians establish effective intervention to improve the physical activity regularly of the elderly.

Psychometric properties of the Malay version of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3).

The present study aimed at validating the Malay-language version of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3M) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Data were collected from undergraduate students in the Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. A total of 674 students completed the BREQ-3M (male: 19.4%, female: 80.6%), with a mean age of 20.27 years (SD = 1.35). Behavioural regulation was assessed with the 24-item BREQ-3M. Standard forward-backward translation was performed to translate the English version of BREQ-3 into the Malay version. The initial measurement models tested did not result in a good fit for the data. Subsequent examination of the CFA results suggested some modifications, including adding correlations between the item residuals within the same subscale and deletion of identified regulation. These modifications resulted in good fit indices (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, RMSEA = 0.049; Comparative Fit Index, CFI = 0.949; Tucker-Lewis Index, TLI = 0.938; Standardised Root Mean Square Residual, SRMR = 0.049). The final measurement model comprised 20 items and had significant factor loadings of more than 0.50, ranging from 0.580 to 0.868. The composite reliability ranged between 0.746-0.841 for the five-factor model. The 20-item translated version of BREQ-3M is valid and reliable for assessing the behavioural regulation for exercise among university students in Malaysia. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Malay-language BREQ-3. It was the first to assess the measurement model in Malaysia using CFA.

Wellness Improvements Following a 15-Week Lifelong Fitness and Wellness Class

ABSTRACT Wellness behaviors enacted during the college years may have long-term impacts on adult health; as such, it is critical that college students be educated regarding health behaviors and ways to improve their wellness. One way to educate students in reference to improved health practices is through college/university instructional physical activity programs that include a didactic wellness component. Limited research is available on the impact that courses of this nature have on student wellness outcomes. To assess the impact of a 15-week fitness and wellness course on perceived wellness in emerging adults, a convenience sample of undergraduate students (N = 334) enrolled in a general education Lifelong Fitness and Wellness class completed an instrument consisting of the Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS), the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3), and demographic questions at the beginning and end of the Fall 2018 semester. Data were collected using a web-based survey administered through a password-protected Qualtrics account. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess the goodness of fit of participants’ responses on the PWS to the proposed model and then the data were analyzed using a pretest/posttest statistical design. Mixed analyses of covariance revealed improvements in overall wellness, emotional wellness, and physical wellness from pretest to posttest with no impact on lecture delivery mode or activity participation type. These results indicate that general wellness and fitness courses may positively impact perceived wellness in college students.

Examining the psychometric properties of the Chinese Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3: A bi-factor approach.

The Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ) was revised to its third iteration (BREQ-3) and has been widely used to measure different types of exercise motivation, including amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, integrated regulation, and intrinsic motivation. However, the Chinese version has not been similarly revised. The aim of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese BREQ-3 using alternative structural equation models. Specifically, this study aimed to translate the English BREQ-3 into Chinese to examine the best representation of the factor configuration of Chinese BREQ-3, measurement invariance for the best-fitted model, and the concurrent validity evidence and reliability for the Chinese BREQ-3. Undergraduate students (N = 825) from mainland China completed a battery of online questionnaires. After including two general motivation factors (controlled motivation and autonomous motivation), we discovered that the majority of items on the identified regulation, integrated regulation, and intrinsic motivation subscales no longer loaded on or had very low loadings on their specific factors, implying that these items essentially represent a unidimensional construct. Invariance testing supported the comparison between latent factor means across gender based on the bi-factor exploratory structural equation model (BESEM). Concurrent validity evidence was found for amotivation, controlled motivation, and autonomous motivation. The hierarchical omega, explained common variance (ECV), item explained common variance (I_ECV), and percentage of uncontaminated correlations (PUC) indicated that the external regulation and introjected regulation subscales had a multidimensional structure, while the identified regulation, integrated regulation, and intrinsic motivation subscales had a unidimensional structure (autonomous motivation). We advocate calculating amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, and a single autonomous motivation (excluding item 19) score when utilizing the Chinese BREQ-3.

A Self-Determination Theory Application to Physical Activity in Charity Sports Events

Charity sports events, specifically 5K events, reach large numbers of people and may help promote physical activity (PA). Few studies exist applying Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to participation in these events. This study examined changes in SDT constructs of Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness satisfaction in participants (n = 207) of charity 5K events and (2) examined relationships among post-event SDT constructs, PA, and intention to complete future events. Participants completed online surveys before and after a charity 5K event using the Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Exercise Scale, Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Repeated measures analysis of covariance analyzed the first purpose and regression the second. Competence satisfaction increased ( P = .04) and relatedness satisfaction decreased ( P = .04). Higher post-event relatedness satisfaction was associated with intention to complete future charity 5K events (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.11). Higher post-event autonomy, competence, and relatedness satisfaction and intrinsic motivation were associated with greater post-event MET-minutes of PA (all P &lt; .05).Findings may be useful for promoting PA and helping organizations increase participation. Specifically, events facilitating relatedness among participants may lead to repeat participation as these events have opportunities to fulfill SDT outcomes and increase post-event PA.

The Psychometric Properties of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3): Factorial Structure, Invariance and Validity in the Italian Context

Background: Motivation to engage in physical activity plays a central role in ensuring the health of the population. The present study investigated the psychometric properties and validity in Italy of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3), a widely used instrument for assessing individuals’ motivation to exercise based on self-determination theory (SDT). Methods: A large sample (N = 2222; females = 55.4%; Mage = 36.4 years, SDage = 13.9, min = 20, max = 69) of young people, and middle aged and older adults completed the Italian translation of the BREQ-3, also indicating their intentions to exercise in the following weeks. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the posited six-factor structure of the BREQ-3 fitted the data well (CFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.04) and provided evidence for full measurement invariance across gender and different age groups. The construct validity of the BREQ-3 was supported by the latent correlations among the subscales, which were consistent with the quasi-simplex pattern theorized by SDT. The overall level of self-determination and the intention to exercise were positively correlated, providing evidence for the criterion validity of the scale. Conclusions: The Italian version of the BREQ-3 has proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the behavioral regulation of exercise in individuals with different demographic characteristics.

Measuring Physical Activity Regulatory Styles and Identity Among Adults 55 Years or Older.

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of modified versions of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire and Exercise Identity Scale for use with adults ages ≥55 years to measure regulatory styles and identity related to physical activity. Methods. Participants [Mage = 66.29 years (SD = 7.06)] answered an online questionnaire twice across a four-week timescale. We assessed measurement invariance and convergent and divergent validity based on relations between regulatory styles, identity, and physical activity. Results. Both measures were invariant across gender and time, and findings support the convergent and divergent validity of the scales. Notably, a two-factor model of identity representing role identity and physical activity beliefs provided the best fit, and physical activity beliefs was more strongly related to introjected regulation. Discussion. Taken together, there is evidence that these modified scales are suitable for use with adults ages ≥55 years.

Use of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 to assess motivation for physical activity in persons with rheumatoid arthritis: an observational study

Arthritis patients may show little motivation for physical activity (PA), resulting in a sedentary lifestyle. The primary objective of the study was to investigate whether motivation for PA and fulfillment of PA recommendations were associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with RA. The exploratory objective was to study whether university students could be used as controls for RA patients in future studies of PA motivation. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured in 93 RA patients. The patients and 354 students filled in the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with adjustment for age and sex. The BREQ-2 scores were also compiled to an overall motivational style “Relative Autonomy Index” as previously published. Mean VO2peak for the RA patients was 32.2 (SD: 9.6) mL × min−1 × kg−1. Only 29 patients (31%) fulfilled the current recommendations for PA. BREQ-2 scores were associated with measured VO2peak (standardized coefficient 0.33, p < 0.001). Whether a person fulfilled the current recommendations for PA was a significant mediator of this effect (standardized coefficients: mediated effect; 0.22, p = 0.001, remaining direct effect; 0.11, p = 0.18). The Relative Autonomy Index also significantly predicted measured VO2peak (standardized coefficient 0.30, p < 0.001). The underlying BREQ-2 factor structure was significantly different between RA patients and university students, and comparison of scores would not be adequate. Motivation for PA was significantly associated with measured VO2peak in RA patients. The effect was mediated by whether the patient fulfilled the current recommendations for PA. Addressing and stimulating motivation is important when intervening to increase PA and cardiovascular fitness in RA patients.