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The effects of self-monitoring and reinforcement on exercise adherence
1Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506.
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Behavioral interventions like self-monitoring and social reinforcement can improve exercise adherence and fitness markers in sedentary individuals. However, these techniques showed minimal impact on those already maintaining an active lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Behavioral Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adherence to unsupervised exercise is crucial for long-term health benefits.
- Sedentary lifestyles are a major public health concern, necessitating effective interventions.
- Previous research suggests behavioral strategies can influence exercise participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of self-monitoring and social reinforcement on unsupervised exercise adherence.
- To compare the impact of these behavioral techniques on fitness improvements in sedentary and already fit individuals.
Main Methods:
- 35 moderately fit individuals (AF group) and 42 sedentary individuals (NEWS group) were recruited.
- Participants were randomized into self-monitoring, social reinforcement, or control groups for 18 weeks.
- Exercise adherence and changes in predicted max VO2 and exercise heart rate were measured.
Main Results:
- Both self-monitoring and reinforcement groups showed significantly higher weekly exercise frequency than the control group.
- The reinforcement group exhibited greater improvements in predicted max VO2 and exercise heart rate compared to self-monitoring and control groups.
- Adult fitness program (AF) subjects maintained fitness levels, with behavioral interventions having little effect on their adherence.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral interventions, particularly social reinforcement, can enhance exercise adherence and cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary populations.
- Self-monitoring also positively impacts exercise frequency but to a lesser extent than social reinforcement.
- For individuals already engaged in regular exercise, these specific behavioral interventions may not offer significant additional benefits for adherence.