Approach bias modification training to increase physical activity: A pilot randomized controlled trial in healthy volunteers. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Preis, Mira A; Zellerhoff, Marisa; Brockmeyer, Timo
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 26:Number 13(2021)
• Page Start: 2470
• Page End: 2486
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: approach-avoidance task -- automatic approach tendencies -- cognitive bias modification -- obesity -- overweight; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105320913936
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

Regular physical activity is associated with better physical and mental health outcomes as well as higher quality of life. This pilot randomized controlled trial examined whether approach bias modification, an economical and easily accessible computerized cognitive training, could increase objectively and subjectively measured physical activity in individuals aiming for more physical activity. Forty healthy volunteers of normal weight were randomly allocated to six sessions of approach bias modification or no treatment. The approach bias modification adopted an implicit learning paradigm that trained participants to show approach behavior in response to visual cues of physical activity. Approach bias modification did not increase objectively and subjectively measured physical activity.