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The roles of behavioral and implementation intentions in changing physical activity in young children with low

Christopher J Armitage1, Christine A Sprigg

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology
|July 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Physical activity programs can boost habits in low-income children aged 6-10. Forming an implementation intention significantly increased physical activity, suggesting a way to enhance program effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Behavioral Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited research exists on physical activity in low socioeconomic status (SES) children aged 6-10.
  • This age group is a critical period for establishing lifelong physical activity habits.
  • Understanding factors influencing physical activity in this demographic is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effectiveness of an implementation intention intervention on physical activity in low SES children aged 6-10.
  • To examine the role of intention as a mediator between past and future physical activity behavior.
  • To address the research gap concerning physical activity in this specific population.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial with 77 children aged 6-10 from low SES backgrounds.
  • Measurement of physical activity and Theory of Planned Behavior variables at three time points.
  • Experimental group formed implementation intentions, while the control group did not.

Main Results:

  • Intention significantly mediated the relationship between past and future physical activity.
  • The implementation intention intervention led to a significant increase in physical activity compared to the control group.
  • The findings highlight the potential of implementation intentions in promoting physical activity.

Conclusions:

  • Physical activity can be effectively increased in 6-10-year-old children from low SES backgrounds.
  • Implementation intentions show promise as a strategy to enhance the impact of children's physical activity programs.
  • Targeted interventions are needed to foster healthy physical activity habits in vulnerable child populations.

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