Predictors Of Exercise Behavior Research Articles

Investigating the role of self-control beliefs in predicting exercise behaviour: A longitudinal study.

Engaging in exercise behaviour regularly requires a repeated investment of resources to reap the health benefits. An individual's self-control resources, when performing a behaviour can be perceived as being recharged or depleted. The investigation on how self-control beliefs resources predict exercise behaviour is very limited in the literature. The purpose of this study was to understand how self-control beliefs predict exercise behaviour across time in a physical activity model. Participants (N=161) were a sample of adults recruited across twelve gyms and recreation centres in a large city. Participants completed surveys across five months. Data were analysed using a multilevel structural equationmodel with participants (level 2) nested within time (level 1). Behaviour was found to be a function of intention, habit, and planning. Specifically, planning moderated the intention-behaviour relationship, where those who scored higher on planning engaged in more exercise. Self-control beliefs functioned as a proximal predictor of autonomous motivation and predicted habit, and intention when accounting for total effects. Self-control beliefs played a pivotal role in supporting recognized exercise determinants. Exercise-focussed interventions that help participants strengthen their beliefs as recharging and reduce depletion beliefs could be beneficial for promoting regular exercise.

Social anxiety moderates the relationship between body mass index and motivation to avoid exercise

Higher weight individuals experience frequent weight-related discrimination, which is associated with exercise avoidance. Exercise is a health behavior with multiple physical and mental health benefits and should be accessible to all. The current study examined another factor that might influence exercise in addition to weight stigma: social anxiety (SA). Given the often public nature of exercise, individuals with SA may feel scrutinized when exercising, which may lead to avoidance. This study examined whether SA moderates the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and exercise and whether SA and its interaction with BMI predict exercise behavior after accounting for weight stigma. We administered an online survey to 603 undergraduates (72 % female, 60 % White). SA was not significantly associated with BMI, but it was positively associated with weight stigma and exercise-avoidance motivation and negatively associated with self-reported exercise. SA moderated the relationship between BMI and exercise-avoidance motivation; individuals with higher BMIs were motivated to avoid exercise, but only if they reported higher SA. This interaction predicted exercise-avoidance motivation after accounting for weight stigma and its interaction with BMI. However, SA did not moderate the relationship between BMI and self-reported exercise. SA may be associated with exercise avoidance among higher weight individuals.

Patterns and predictors of exercise behavior during 24\u2009months of follow-up after a supervised exercise program during breast cancer chemotherapy

BackgroundUnderstanding the longer-term exercise behavior of patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy is important to promote sustained exercise. The purpose of the current study was to report the longer-term patterns and predictors of exercise behavior in patients with breast cancer who exercised during chemotherapy.MethodsIn the Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise (CARE) Trial, 301 patients with breast cancer were randomized to three different exercise prescriptions during chemotherapy. Exercise behaviors after chemotherapy were self-reported at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up. Exercise patterns were identified by categorizing patients according to which exercise guideline they were meeting (neither, aerobic only, resistance only, or combined) at each of the three follow-up timepoints (64 possible patterns). Predictors of longer-term exercise behavior included physical fitness, patient-reported outcomes, and motivational variables from the theory of planned behavior assessed at postintervention (postchemotherapy). Univariate and multivariate stepwise multinomial logistic regression and linear regression were used for statistical analyses.ResultsA total of 264 (88%) participants completed all three follow-up exercise behavior assessments and exhibited 50 different exercise patterns. Postintervention aerobic fitness was the most consistent predictor of longer-term exercise behavior at all three timepoints. For example, higher aerobic fitness (per 1 ml/kg/min) predicted better adherence to the “aerobic only” (OR = 1.09; p = 0.005) and “combined” (OR = 1.12; p < 0.001) guidelines compared to “neither” guideline at 6-month follow-up. Additionally, higher postintervention muscular strength (per 1 kg) was associated with better adherence to the “resistance only” (OR = 1.07; p = 0.025) and “combined” (OR = 1.08; p < 0.001) guidelines compared to “neither” guideline at 24-month follow-up. Finally, lower perceived difficulty (per 1 scale point) was associated with better adherence to the “combined” (OR = 0.62; p = 0.010) and “aerobic only” (OR = 0.58; p = 0.002) guideline compared to the “neither” guideline at the 24-month follow-up.ConclusionsOur study is the first to show that the longer-term exercise patterns of patients with breast cancer who exercised during chemotherapy are diverse and predicted by physical fitness and motivational variables after chemotherapy. Our novel implications are that improving physical fitness during chemotherapy and applying motivational counseling after chemotherapy may improve longer-term exercise behavior in patients with breast cancer.Trial registration(NCT00249015).

Investigating the Role of Perceived Willpower in Predicting Exercise Behavior- A Longitudinal Analysis on Gym Members

PURPOSE: Implicit Theories about Willpower (ITW) propose that the beliefs of an individual’s willpower as either abundant/rejuvenating or a limited resource predicts repetition of self-regulated behaviors, such as exercise. It is also theorized that willpower could be a determining factor for long-term behavioral adherence. While the ITW has demonstrated predictive validity for various health behaviors, its role in the context of exercise is limited. The purpose of the study was to test how the ITW predicts behavior among regular exercisers using an extended dual-process model. METHODS: Participants (n= 161) were a sample of adults (18-65) recruited across nine gym and recreation centers in a large metropolitan city and were averaging 257 min/week (SD = 171) of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Participants completed online surveys that were assessed monthly for six months. Multi-level structural equation modeling was used to analyze the results. RESULTS: The model found Intention X planning interaction to predict behavior (β = .29, p < .001), while controlling for intention (β = -.08, p = .14) and planning (β = -.01, p= .85). Specifically, high intenders with specific plans predicted behavior. Habit was also found to predict behavior (β= .11, p = .005). Intrinsic motivation predicted both habit (β = .25, p < .001), and the interaction construct (β= .18, p< .001) directly and behavior (β = .17, 95% CI [.070, .278]) from total direct and indirect pathways. Rejuvenating willpower predicted habit (β = .11, p = .020) and intrinsic motivation (β = .11, p = .008) directly in addition to the interaction construct (β =.10, 95% CI [.019, .184]) and behavior (β= .09, 95% CI [.001, .193]) via total pathways. The model did not find limiting willpower predict any paths. Time did not predict changes in the observed model. CONCLUSION: Findings add support to previous work on proposed maintenance constructs by testing them longitudinally in post-intenders. The model further advances these findings by identifying how willpower, particularly, perceived rejuvenating willpower played a pivotal role as a proximal predictor of habit and intrinsic motivation and a distal predictor to behavior. Exercise-focused interventions that help participants cultivate rejuvenating willpower could be beneficial for behavioral maintenance.

Validation of the exercise self-efficacy scale (ESE-S) for increased adherence to physical activity

Background: Various self-efficacy instruments have been used to predict exercise behavior. Many of these scales have been shown tobe valid and reliable measures for the strength dimension of self-efficacy, but have overlooked the construct’s dimensions of magnitude and generality. This study established the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE-S), a measure of the strength, generality, and magnitude dimensions of exercise self-efficacy, as a valid tool towards the promotion and adherence of routine physical activity.Methods: Using a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, the ESE-S was administered to individuals aged 18 and older (n=270) whowere conveniently recruited from a large city located in Ohio. Participants were employees of a large, national company and consentedto participate in an employee wellness campaign over a two-day period. Participants completed the 24-item ESE-S onetime and demographic data were not collected. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the 4-factor hypothesized structure of the ESE-S.Results: The confirmatory analysis showed that the data did not conform to the factorial structure as originally hypothesized, but didretain a 4-four factor solution. Final factors identified from the confirmatory analysis were internal strength, external strength, generality, and magnitude.Conclusions: This study confirmed a 4-factor, 21-item factorial structure. Although the structure differed from that hypothesized, theresults showed that the tool was a valid and reliable instrument to measure the dimensions of exercise self-efficacy commonly overlooked within the literature. Public health professionals and researchers can use the instrument to measure exercise self-efficacy and develop self-efficacy based exercise promotion programs.

Validation of the exercise self-efficacy scale (ESE-S) for increased adherence to physical activity

Background: Various self-efficacy instruments have been used to predict exercise behavior. Many of these scales have been shown to be valid and reliable measures for the strength dimension of self-efficacy, but have overlooked the construct’s dimensions of magnitude and generality. This study established the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE-S), a measure of the strength, generality, and magnitude dimensions of exercise self-efficacy, as a valid tool towards the promotion and adherence of routine physical activity. Methods: Using a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, the ESE-S was administered to individuals aged 18 and older (n=270) who were conveniently recruited from a large city located in Ohio. Participants were employees of a large, national company and consented to participate in an employee wellness campaign over a two-day period. Participants completed the 24-item ESE-S onetime and demographic data were not collected. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the 4-factor hypothesized structure of the ESE-S. Results: The confirmatory analysis showed that the data did not conform to the factorial structure as originally hypothesized, but did retain a 4-four factor solution. Final factors identified from the confirmatory analysis were internal strength, external strength, generality, and magnitude. Conclusions: This study confirmed a 4-factor, 21-item factorial structure. Although the structure differed from that hypothesized, the results showed that the tool was a valid and reliable instrument to measure the dimensions of exercise self-efficacy commonly overlooked within the literature. Public health professionals and researchers can use the instrument to measure exercise self-efficacy and develop self-efficacy based exercise promotion programs. Key words: Exercise, self-efficacy, confirmatory factor analysis, physical activity

A Prospective Examination of Physical Activity Predictors in Pregnant Women with Normal Weight and Overweight/Obesity.

Scant research has examined the relationship between exercise behavior and weight status in pregnant women. A prospective study was conducted in which pregnant women (N=332) completed self-report measures at each trimester. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance (controlling for race, education, and parity) examined changes in the motivational determinants of exercise over time and by weight status. Regression analyses were conducted to understand how the motivational determinants predicted exercise behavior and to examine the impact of prepregnancy weight status. A significant main effect for time was observed, with an increase in early pregnancy followed by a decrease in late pregnancy for the motivational determinants of exercise and exercise behavior. A significant main effect for weight status was observed such that normal weight pregnant women had significantly greater attitude and intention for exercise when compared with pregnant women with overweight/obesity. The primary predictors of intention were perceived behavioral control (first to second trimester) and attitude (second to third trimester). The primary predictor of exercise behavior was intention. Prepregnancy weight status provided no unique contributions. Findings from this study suggest that interventions designed to promote exercise in pregnancy should consider targeting perceived behavioral control in early pregnancy and attitude in later pregnancy. Improving exercise attitude in women with overweight or obesity may further strengthen their motivation to be active in pregnancy. Customized interventions may need to be designed to address the unique needs of women because their motivational determinants change over the course of pregnancy.

A twin study on the correlates of voluntary exercise behavior in adolescence

ObjectivesTo improve the success of interventions aimed to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity, we need to better understand the correlates of the extensive individual differences in voluntary exercise activities. Starting in adolescence, genetic effects become a dominant factor in explaining individual differences in voluntary exercise behavior. Here we aim to establish the prospective contribution of potential correlates of voluntary exercise behavior to its heritability. DesignIn a sample of adolescent and young adult twins, data on potential correlates of exercise behavior were collected using surveys (time point 1, N = 373) and a laboratory study (time point 2, N = 499). Information on personality, perceived barriers & benefits, subjective and objective exercise ability and the affective response to exercise were collected in a set of healthy adolescent twin pairs (16-18y) and their non-twin siblings (12-25y). Almost 3 years later, the subjects were sent an online follow-up survey on their current exercise status (time point 3, N = 423). MethodsIn bivariate models, the phenotypic (co)variance in these correlates and exercise behavior at all time points were decomposed in sources of genetic (co)variance and environmental (co)variance. The correlates that were significantly associated with exercise behavior at time point 1 or 2 and showed significant genetic correlations to exercise behavior at time point 3 were used in two further analyses: Multiple regression analysis to predict exercise behavior at time point 3, and a genetic analysis in a common 2-factor model, that tested the overlap in genetic factors influencing these correlates and exercise behavior. ResultsPersonality (Extraversion), perceived benefits and barriers, exercise-induced affective response (Energy measured after the cycling test), and subjective and objective exercise ability (VO2max) showed significant phenotypic and genetic association with exercise behavior at time point 3. The genetic correlation between the two latent factors in the common 2-factor model was 0.51, indicating that part of the heritability in exercise behavior derives from genetic variants that also influence these correlates. ConclusionsGiven their shared genetic basis and predictive power we assert that individual differences in extraversion, perceived benefits and barriers, exercise-induced feelings of energy, and subjective and objective exercise ability can be used to develop stratified interventions for adolescent and young adult exercise behavior. In addition, our results provide the first clues on ‘where to look’ for specific genetic variants for voluntary exercise behavior.

Behavioral and Neural Evidence of the Rewarding Value of Exercise Behaviors: A Systematic Review.

In a time of physical inactivity pandemic, attempts to better understand the factors underlying the regulation of exercise behavior are important. The dominant neurobiological approach to exercise behavior considers physical activity to be a reward; however, negative affective responses during exercise challenge this idea. Our objective was to systematically review studies testing the automatic reactions triggered by stimuli associated with different types of exercise behavior (e.g. physical activity, sedentary behaviors) and energetic cost variations (e.g. decreased energetic cost, irrespective of the level of physical activity). We also examined evidence supporting the hypothesis that behaviors minimizing energetic cost (BMEC) are rewarding. Two authors systematically searched, screened, extracted, and analyzed data from articles in the MEDLINE database. We included 26 studies. Three outcomes of automatic processes were tested: affective reactions, attentional capture, and approach tendencies. Behavioral results show that physical activity can become attention-grabbing, automatically trigger positive affect, and elicit approach behaviors. These automatic reactions explain and predict exercise behaviors; however, the use of a wide variety of measures prevents drawing solid conclusions about the specific effects of automatic processes. Brain imaging results are scarce but show that stimuli associated with physical activity and, to a lesser extent, sedentary behaviors activate regions involved in reward processes. Studies investigating the rewarding value of behaviors driving energetic cost variations such as BMEC are lacking. Reward is an important factor in exercise behavior. The literature based on the investigation of automatic behaviors seems in line with the suggestion that physical activity is rewarding, at least for physically active individuals. Results suggest that sedentary behaviors could also be rewarding, although this evidence remains weak due to a lack of investigations. Finally, from an evolutionary perspective, BMEC are likely to be rewarding; however, no study has investigated this hypothesis. In sum, additional studies are required to establish a strong and complete framework of the reward processes underlying automatic exercise behavior.

Mindsets applied to fitness: Growth beliefs predict exercise efficacy, value and frequency

ObjectivesTwo studies examined if individuals’ implicit theories, or mindsets, of fitness predict exercise behavior and whether self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. Design and methodsStudy 1 was a correlational study (n = 117) in which participants completed measures of mindsets of fitness, physical exercise self-efficacy, fitness self-value and exercising frequency. In Study 2, an experimental study (N = 314), participants were randomly assigned to read a news article portraying fitness as either malleable (growth condition) or static (fixed condition). Participants again completed measures of mindsets, physical exercise self-efficacy, and fitness self-value as well as future exercise intentions. ResultsIn Study 1, mindsets of fitness predicted exercise frequency, with stronger growth mindsets positively relating to self-reports of exercise frequency. And, self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. In Study 2, we successfully manipulated fitness mindsets. Self-reported growth mindsets of fitness predicted greater exercise intentions and self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. However, the manipulation failed to predict exercise intentions. ConclusionsStudy 1 provided initial support for the relationship between stronger growth mindsets of fitness and greater exercise efficacy, value and past exercise frequency. Study 2 offered experimental evidence of the potential to foster stronger growth mindsets. We discuss implications for future intervention development.

Short report: moderations in exercise motivation – gender and age moderates the relations of motivation quality and exercise behavior

ABSTRACTAimsSelf-determined motivation has been found to be an important predictor of exercise behavior. Findings on gender and age differences are however mixed and previous research has called for studies to examine gender and age as potential moderating factors as they might influence how motivation quality affects exercise behavior.MethodsEmbedded in a controlled trial of a digital intervention aiming to promote exercise motivation, this study examined specific (longitudinal) pathways related to motivation quality, psychological need satisfaction and exercise behavior within the self-determination theory (SDT) process model in a sample of 318 adult employees. The participants completed web-based versions of Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale, Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2, and Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire three times during a six weeks period.ResultsModeration analyses revealed significant gender and age differences in the associations of motivation quality, basic psychological needs and exercise behavior over time. Several paths in the SDT-process model, linking psychological needs and motivation quality to exercise behavior, were moderated by gender and age. The stipulated mechanisms between exercise, motivation and psychological need satisfaction in the SDT-process model revealed to be stronger for women than for men, and stronger for older adults than for younger and middle-aged adults. The effect of amotivation on exercise was also significantly moderated by age in the full sample, by positively predicting light exercise for younger adults.ConclusionsFuture recommendations are related to the examination of potential differences in opportunities of autonomy support in the social context based on factors such as gender and age, and also to further examine these factors as potential moderators instead of statistically controlling them as default.

A brief measure to predict exercise behavior: the Archer-Garcia Ratio.

BackgroundDifferent forms of conscious and planned physical exercise and activity that individuals perform improve not only physical but also psychological health, well-being, and both physical and intellectual performance. Here we put forward and test the predictive validity of the Archer-Garcia Ratio, a brief measure for exercise frequency computed using participants’ responses to two questions.MethodThe participants (N = 158) were recruited from a training facility in the south of Sweden. The Archer-Garcia Ratio was constructed by standardizing (i.e., z-scores) and then summarizing individuals’ responses to two questions: “How often do you exercise?” (1 = never, 5 = 5 times/week or more) and “Estimate the level of effort when you exercise” (1 = none or very low, 10 = very high). Participants responded also to the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire and allowed the collection of electronic data to track the number of times they had trained six months before and both six and twelve months after the survey.ResultsThe Archer-Garcia Ratio predicted, moderately, how often individuals had trained during the six months before and both six months and twelve months after the survey.ConclusionThe Archer-Garcia Ratio is a brief and valid self-report measure that can be used to predict actual retrospective and prospective exercise behavior. It offers a simple and straightforward form to estimate adherence, compliance and propensities of peoples’ exercise habits.

Self-control Predicts Exercise Behavior by Force of Habit, a Conceptual Replication of Adriaanse et al. (2014).

A recent study suggests that habits play a mediating role in the association between trait self-control and eating behavior, supporting a notion of effortless processes in trait self-control (Adriaanse et al., 2014). We conceptually replicated this research in the area of exercise behavior, hypothesizing that these associations would generalize to other self-control related behaviors. Sufficient exercise is essential for several health and well-being outcomes, and therefore many people intend to exercise. However, the majority of the population does not actually exercise to a sufficient or intended extent, due to competing temptations and short-term goals. This conflict makes exercise a typical example of a self-control dilemma. A within-subjects survey study was conducted to test associations between trait self-control, habit strength, and exercise behavior. Participants were recruited at a local gym. Results demonstrated that trait self-control predicted exercise behavior. Mediation analysis revealed that the association between self-control and exercise was mediated by stronger exercise habits, replicating findings by Adriaanse et al. (2014). These results highlight the relevance of self-control in the domain of exercise. In addition, they add to a growing body of knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of trait self-control on behavior that point to habit—rather than effortful impulse inhibition—as a potential key to self-control success.

Self-reported and automatic cognitions are associated with exercise behavior in cancer survivors.

Physical activity is beneficial for cancer survivors, but exercise participation is low in this population. It is therefore important to understand the psychological factors underlying exercise uptake so that more effective interventions can be developed. Social-cognitive theory constructs such as outcome expectancies predict exercise behavior, but self-report measures have several limitations. We examined the associations between implicit (automatic) cognitions and exercise behavior and self-efficacy in endometrial cancer survivors. This was a longitudinal study to examine predictors of exercise behavior in female endometrial cancer survivors who all received an exercise intervention. Participants (N = 100, mean age of 57.0) completed questionnaires to assess self-report exercise-related measures (outcome expectancy and attitudes about and identification with exercise) and reaction time (RT) tasks to assess implicit exercise cognitions (expectancy accessibility, implicit attitudes about exercise, and implicit self-identification with exercise) at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months at follow-up. Exercise behavior was measured using accelerometers and self-report. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Expectancy accessibility was associated with exercise duration independent of the corresponding self-report measure. Exercise implicit attitudes and self-identification were prospectively associated with exercise self-efficacy only after adjustment for the corresponding self-report measures and baseline self-efficacy. Self-report measures were also associated with study outcomes. Both self-reported cognitions and implicit cognitions may be useful to identify individuals at risk of failing to exercise. Individuals so identified might be provided with a different or more intensive intervention. The data also suggest cognitive targets for intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record

Using implicit attitudes of exercise importance to predict explicit exercise dependence symptoms and exercise behaviors

Objectives“Fast” (i.e., implicit) processing is relatively automatic; “slow” (i.e., explicit) processing is relatively controlled and can override automatic processing. These different processing types often produce different responses that uniquely predict behaviors. In the present study, we tested if explicit, self-reported symptoms of exercise dependence and an implicit association of exercise as important predicted exercise behaviors and change in problematic exercise attitudes. DesignWe assessed implicit attitudes of exercise importance and self-reported symptoms of exercise dependence at Time 1. Participants reported daily exercise behaviors for approximately one month, and then completed a Time 2 assessment of self-reported exercise dependence symptoms. MethodUndergraduate males and females (Time 1, N = 93; Time 2, N = 74) tracked daily exercise behaviors for one month and completed an Implicit Association Test assessing implicit exercise importance and subscales of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ) assessing exercise dependence symptoms. ResultsImplicit attitudes of exercise importance and Time 1 EDQ scores predicted Time 2 EDQ scores. Further, implicit exercise importance and Time 1 EDQ scores predicted daily exercise intensity while Time 1 EDQ scores predicted the amount of days exercised. ConclusionImplicit and explicit processing appear to uniquely predict exercise behaviors and attitudes. Given that different implicit and explicit processes may drive certain exercise factors (e.g., intensity and frequency, respectively), these behaviors may contribute to different aspects of exercise dependence.

Recalled and Forecasted Pleasure of Exercise Increases by Ramping Intensity Down

Novel strategies are needed to increase exercise behavior at the population level. Recent studies highlight affect (pleasure-displeasure) as a correlate and predictor of exercise behavior. Thus, interventions aimed at improving the affective experience of exercise may hold promise. Insight from behavioral economics suggests that the slope (i.e., the direction and rate of change) of affect during an episode influences how the episode is later remembered and thus the likelihood of the experience being repeated. PURPOSE: To determine the role of the slope of affect during an exercise bout in shaping how pleasant the bout is subsequently remembered to have been and how pleasant future bouts are expected to feel (“affective forecasting”). METHODS: Forty-six adults (31 men, age 28±5 yr, VO2peak 29±7 ml·kg-1·min-1) were randomly assigned to either a 15-min bout of recumbent stationary cycling of increasing intensity (0% to 120% of the Watts corresponding to the ventilatory threshold, VT) or a session of decreasing intensity (120% to 0% of VT). Ratings of pleasure-displeasure, using the Feeling Scale (FS; Hardy & Rejeski, 1989), were provided every 3 min during the bout, to determine individual slopes of change. Enjoyment, using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES, Kendzierski & DeCarlo, 1991) was measured 20 min after exercise. Recollections of the pleasure-displeasure associated with the bout and forecasts of future bouts were rated 15 min, 24 h, and 7 d after the bout. RESULTS: Individual slopes of FS from min 3 to 15 differed between the groups (F=52.40, p<0.001), whereas the average FS did not. The decreasing-intensity (increasing-pleasure) group reported more enjoyment (F=11.03, p=0.002), recalled the bout as more pleasant 15 min (F=23.15, p<0.001), 24 h (F= 13.95, p<0.001), and 7 d (F=9.99, p=0.003) later, and forecasted that a future bout would be more pleasant 15 min (F=9.26, p=0.004), 24 h (F=8.15, p=0.007), and 7 d (F=5.91, p=0.019) later. Likewise, individual variation in the slope of FS predicted all recollections and forecasts. CONCLUSION: While including exposure to high intensity and keeping the total amount of exercise constant, ramping intensity down may be a novel strategy for improving how bouts are remembered and future bouts are forecasted to feel. In turn, this may facilitate adherence.

Examining a Stage-Based Intervention and Predictors of Exercise Behavior among Iranian Sedentary Adolescents

This study evaluated the effect of an intervention based on Transtheoretical Model on exercise behavior and examined TTM constructs as predictors of stages of change among Iranian adolescents. Fifty-six sedentary adolescents completed an assessment at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. Repeated measures ANOVA and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores on stages of change for the experimental group. Thus, students in the experiment group significantly improved their stages compared to the baseline. Furthermore, stages of change were found to correlate with TTM constructs, and self-efficacy was shown to be a strong predictor of stages of change. This study indicated that a stage-based intervention using TTM constructs could effectively improve adolescents’ intention to engage in physical activity. Moreover, the level of physical activity in adolescent can be improved by increasing their self-efficacy to exercise.

Predictors of Exercise in Individuals with Schizophrenia

Mortality in individuals with schizophrenia, including deaths not attributable to accidents and suicide, is at least twice that of the general population. While increasing physical exercise could promote positive mental and physical health outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia, only one other study of the determinants of exercise within this population has been reported. Our study attempts to resolve this void in knowledge by testing the applicability of the transtheoretical model (TTM) of behavior change to predicting exercise behavior in those with schizophrenia. Forty-nine participants (42 with schizophrenia and 7 with schizoaffective disorder) from three community mental health centers in Melbourne, Australia, completed a series of questionnaires, an interview, physical health measures, and had their medical records examined. These measures were used: TTM exercise stage, TTM mediators of change, health status, health-risk behaviors, use of antipsychotic medications, psychopathology, psychiatric history, and demographic information. Variables found to be significantly correlated with exercise stage were then included in a series of regression analyses to determine their relative predictive power for exercise stage. The results demonstrated that the TTM and its associated measures may be valid for integration into interventions for promoting exercise in individuals with schizophrenia, despite high levels of psychopathology symptoms. Routine clinical practice should promote exercise in people with schizophrenia and the TTM may be of benefit to this end. Strategies that promote exercise when self-perceived poor health is seen as a significant barrier are particularly important, as is the reduction of caffeine consumption and other health-adverse behaviors.

The roles of self-efficacy and motivation in the prediction of short- and long-term adherence to exercise among patients with coronary heart disease.

Poor adherence to regular exercise is a documented challenge among people with heart disease. Identifying key determinants of exercise adherence and distinguishing between the processes driving short- and long-term adherence to regular exercise is a valuable endeavor. The purpose of the present study was to test a model of exercise behavior change, which incorporates motivational orientations and self-efficacy for exercise behavior, in the prediction of short- and long-term exercise adherence. Male and female patients (N = 801) hospitalized for coronary heart disease were recruited from 3 tertiary care cardiac centers and followed for a period of 1 year after hospital discharge. A prospective, longitudinal design was used to examine the roles of motivation and self-efficacy (measured at recruitment and at 2 and 6 months after discharge) in the prediction of exercise behavior at 6 and 12 months. Baseline measures of exercise and clinical and demographic covariates were included in the analyses. Structural equation modeling showed that both autonomous motivation and self-efficacy were important determinants of short-term (6-month) exercise behavior regulation, but that only autonomous motivation remained a significant predictor of long-term (12-month) exercise behavior. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between motivation for exercise and 6-month exercise behavior. This research confirmed the roles of autonomous motivation and self-efficacy in the health behavior change process and emphasized the key function of autonomous motivation in exercise maintenance. Theoretical and cardiac rehabilitation program applications of this research are discussed.

Longitudinal relationships between perceived stress, exercise self-regulation and exercise involvement among physically active adolescents

Stress exposure may undermine exercisers’ capability to self-regulate their exercise behaviour. This longitudinal study examined the interplay between perceived stress, exercise self-regulation (assessment of action and coping planning) and participation in vigorous exercise in vocational students. Moreover, this study examined whether high exercise self-regulation moderates the assumed negative relationship between stress and exercise. A sample of 580 physically active vocational students ( ± s 17.8 ± 1.3 years, 33.8% girls) was assessed. All participants completed two identical validated questionnaires assessing stress, exercise self-regulation and exercise with a span of 10 months in between survey completion periods. The cross-sectional analyses show that high exercise self-regulation attenuated the assumed negative relationship between stress and exercise. In the longitudinal analyses, however, only a non-significant trend was found. Significant longitudinal relationships existed between exercise self-regulation and exercise involvement. Latent difference score models revealed that a drop in the exercise self-regulation was associated with a concurrent decrease in exercise participation. Cross-lagged panel analyses showed that high exercise self-regulation levels positively predicted exercise behaviour, but an inverse relationship was not supported. The findings suggested that higher exercise self-regulation levels were positively associated with future exercise involvement in currently active adolescents. While partial support was found that exercise self-regulation moderated the influence of stress on exercise, the findings demonstrated that higher exercise self-regulation levels had a positive impact on future exercise involvement in already active individuals.