Changes in Physical Activity and Psychological Variables Following a Web-Based Motivational Interviewing...

Area of Science:

• Health behavior change
• Digital health interventions
• Exercise psychology

Background:

• Web-based interventions are increasingly used in healthcare to promote physical activity.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) is an effective approach for increasing physical activity.
• The impact of MI on psychological variables related to physical activity remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in physical activity levels after a web-based intervention.
• To evaluate the intervention's effect on psychological variables: readiness, willingness, and perceived ability to engage in physical activity.
• To determine if a motivational interviewing-based intervention can increase physical activity.

Main Methods:

• A 4-session web-based intervention using motivational interviewing principles was delivered to 23 underactive adults.
• Physical activity was measured using pedometers (pre- and post-intervention).
• Self-report surveys assessed physical activity and psychological variables at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in daily steps, weekly physical activity energy expenditure, and moderate-intensity physical activity energy expenditure were observed.
• Participants showed improved stage of change for physical activity, with increased decisional balance pros and decreased cons.
• Enjoyment of physical activity and self-efficacy significantly increased post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• The piloted web-based intervention demonstrates potential for promoting physical activity in healthcare settings.
• Further research is needed to compare MI interventions against control groups and explore psychological mediators in larger samples.