Self-regulatory efficacy and long-term physical activity engagement: Examining mediators from a randomized trial. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dineen, Tineke E.; Locke, Sean R.; Cranston, Kaela D.; Beauchamp, Mark R.; Jung, Mary E.
• Is Part Of: Psychology of sport and exercise. Volume 56(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Prediabetic state -- Self efficacy -- Exercise -- High-intensity interval training -- Social cognitions; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; Psychology; Sports; Exercise; Societies, Medical; Sports -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; Exercice -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; 613.71019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1469-0292

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) as an explanatory mediator of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) interventions in relation to physical activity levels over 6- and 12-months after condition assignment. Methods: Two mediation models were run. The first model explored initial change in the first 6 months by examining 6-month SRE as a mediator of the relations between the independent variable (condition) and dependent variable (average of 3-month and 6-month physical activity). A second mediation model explored sustained change in the second 6 months by examining 12-month SRE as a mediator of the relations between the independent variable (condition) and dependent variable (average of 9-month and 12-month physical activity). Hayes' PROCESS macro was used to estimate the indirect effect. Adults ( n = 99) who were overweight and low-active (mean age = 50.9 years, 69.7% female) were randomized to HIIT or MICT, with participants in both conditions receiving the same brief behavioural counselling. Results: SRE at 12-months post-program was found to mediate the intervention effects (total indirect effect: 8.26 [1.41–17.91]) while SRE at 6-months post program was not found to mediate the intervention effects (total indirect effect: 5.05 [-1.12 – 13.98]). SRE was found to be an explanatory mechanism in predicting greater long-term physical activity engagement for those in MICT compared to HIIT. Conclusions: These findings suggest that participants' perceived capabilities to self-manage their physical activity behaviour accounted for higher levels of maintained physical activity participation among participants in the MICT condition when compared to the HIIT condition one-year following participation in a diabetes prevention program. Highlights: Theory-based interventions allow for strong theory testing. Self-regulatory efficacy mediated sustained physical activity engagement. Different exercise modalities may require distinct sets of self-regulatory skills.