A feasibility randomized trial of an identity-based physical activity intervention among university students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Exercise identity has considerable evidence as a correlate of physical activity (PA), but almost no research has focused on intervention. Theory suggests identity may be formed through indirect means of motivated behaviour change over time or through direct targeting of identity related antecedents. Using a parallel, single blind design, the purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility (recruitment, retention, and satisfaction) of these two types of interventions (indirect, direct) to increase exercise identity and subsequent PA. METHODS: Participants between the ages of 18-25 who were not meeting PA guidelines were recruited from the University of Victoria, and randomized at a 1:1 ratio to an indirect or direct intervention group. The indirect intervention group received information on the benefits of PA and behaviour change techniques such as planning. The direct intervention group received the same information, with the addition of identity-specific information. Intervention materials were delivered biweekly for 6 weeks. Feasibility and participant satisfaction at the study end-point were assessed using mixed methods, and both PA change and exercise identity change were assessed via self-report. RESULTS: Twenty participants were randomized to the direct or indirect intervention group (10 each), with 18 participants completing full study protocol. The recruitment rate was 26% and retention was 90%. Mean scores from the satisfaction survey (five-point scale) were high for both groups (indirect M = 2.69, SD = 0.62; direct M = 2.83, SD = 0.40). Both intervention groups increased their PA (η 2 = 0.25), and exercise identity levels (η 2 = 0.43) across six weeks. DISCUSSION: High feasibility ratings, both through retention, and survey and interview data show that the study could be extended to a full-scale RCT. Modifications to recruitment including oversampling to account for low recruitment rates may be useful. No adverse events were reported.

Effectiveness of gender-targeted versus gender-neutral interventions aimed at improving dietary intake, physical activity and/or overweight/obesity in young adults (aged 17–35 years): a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Pope et al reported greater achievement of gym attendance goals in participants who received continued monetary incentives to attend compared with discontinued and no incentive groups at the end of the 24-week intervention (+ 36% goals met, p < 0.001) [ 74 ]. Husband et al reported a greater increase in PA score in participants who received face-to-face sessions focusing on self-identity and behaviour change techniques to increase PA compared with behaviour change techniques only at the end of the 2-week intervention (+ 4.5 points) [ 76 ]. Heeren et al reported a greater likelihood of meeting PA guidelines at 12-month follow-up in participants in an 8-week health promotion intervention targeting PA, diet and alcohol delivered via group sessions, compared with one targeting HIV (OR = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.33–8.41) [ 75 ].…”

“…Of the 21 gender-neutral studies, 14 were effective (67%). Seven studies (54%) demonstrated significant changes in time completing PA [63][64][65][66][67][68][69], three and two studies demonstrated significant changes in exercise frequency [66,70,71] and steps per day respectively [72,73], and one study each for gym attendance [74], meeting physical activity guidelines [75], and physical activity score [76]. Martens et al reported + 0.7 days/week and + 35mins/week of completing vigorous PA at 1-month follow-up in participants who received a single session motivational intervention versus a standard educational brochure [66].…”

The Feasibility of Using Instagram Data to Predict Exercise Identity and Physical Activity Levels: Cross-sectional Observational Study

“…Thus, the objectives of this study were to (1) explore whether participants were willing to share their Instagram data with researchers to predict their lifestyle behaviors; (2) examine whether PA-related Instagram uses (ie, the percentage of PA-related Instagram posts, fitness-related followings, and the number of likes received on PA-related posts) were positively associated with exercise identity; and (3) evaluate whether exercise identity mediates the relationship between PA-related Instagram use and weekly PA minutes. Commensurate with self-perception theory [24] and past research [25,26], we hypothesized (1) more than 50% of the participants would be willing to share their Instagram data for health infoveillance, (2) PA-related Instagram use was positively associated with exercise identity, and (3) exercise identity would mediate the relationship between PA-related Instagram use (ie, number of likes) and PA minutes. Figure 1 presents a visual representation of the hypothesized mediation model.…”

“…Based on the self-perception theory [24] and past research [25,26], we hypothesized that PA-related Instagram use would be positively associated with exercise identity and that exercise identity would mediate the relationship between PA-related Instagram use and PA minutes. Interestingly, we observed that only the percentage of PA-related Instagram posts and fitness-related followings were positively associated with exercise identity.…”

“…Bem's self-perception theory [24], for example, suggests that identity may be formed largely by observing one's behavior and inferring self-categorization. This premise has some support in PA interventions from 2 small feasibility trials where participants who were encouraged to present PA-related imagery and self-expression (eg, a picture on the mantle) showed corresponding increases in identity [25,26]. However, the large focus on social media and self-expression across much of the population may be an even more effective mechanism of shaping identity.…”