Associations between psychological factors and accelerometer-measured physical activity in urban Asian adults

Examine the association between psychological variables and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in urban Asians.

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Singapore. Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days to measure physical activity (PA). Demographic, anthropometric and psychological data were also collected. Psychological variables included PA guideline knowledge, motivational profile for PA self-regulation (5 subscales), perceived barriers to PA (4 subscales) and perceived social support for PA. Regression models with adjustment for socio-demographic variables were fitted.

External regulation (b = - 13.03, 95% CI - 34.55; - 1.50) and perceived daily life barriers (b = - 12.63, 95% CI - 24.95; - 0.32) were significantly associated with fewer weekly MVPA minutes. A significant interaction between perceived social support and age (p = 0.046) was found. Social support was significantly negative associated with MVPA minutes in younger (< 28 years), but not in older participants.

Considering levels of self-determination to engage in PA and perceived daily life barriers may be important for planning PA interventions in urban Asian populations. Caution is required when promoting social support for PA as it was associated with lower MVPA in younger people.