Effects of a workplace physical activity intervention on cognitive determinants of physical activity: a randomized controlled trial. Issue 6 (14th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krebs, Simone; Wurst, Ramona; Göhner, Wiebke; Fuchs, Reinhard
• Is Part Of: Psychology & health. Volume 36:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 629
• Page End: 648
• Publication Date: 2021-06-14
• Subjects: Physical exercise -- behaviour change -- psychological coaching -- motivation -- volition -- worksite; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; Attitude to Health -- Periodicals; Public Opinion -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1780233
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-0446

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The present randomized controlled trial evaluated if a workplace physical activity (PA) program that comprises both a PA component and a psychological coaching component (PA + C) is more effective in changing cognitive determinants of PA than a PA program without coaching component. Design: N = 213 employees were cluster-randomly assigned to two groups: the PA + C group received the MoVo-work intervention, combining a psychological coaching component and a PA component. The PA group received the PA component without psychological coaching. Main Outcome Measures: Strength of goal intention, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, action planning and barrier management were assessed at five time points (before and at the end of the intervention, as well as 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after the intervention). Results: After six weeks and one year, respectively, the PA + C group showed significantly higher goal intentions ( p = .018) and self-efficacy beliefs ( p = .006) than the PA group; and, at a descriptive level, a clear tendency towards better barrier management. Conclusions: The results indicate that a workplace PA program, including psychological coaching, may partially improve the effects of a pure PA program on critical motivational and volitional determinants of PA behavioural change among employees.