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Updated: Jun 8, 2025
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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
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Moving Beyond Mean Levels: Associations Between Subject-Level Variability in Psychological Determinants and Physical
Jaclyn P Maher1, Jeffrey D Labban2, Brynn L Hudgins1
1Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|November 6, 2024
Summary
Fluctuations in psychological factors like intentions, self-efficacy, and planning are linked to more physical activity (PA) in older adults. This variability is especially beneficial when these determinants are at lower levels.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Gerontology
- Psychology
Background:
- Traditional research views physical activity (PA) determinants as stable traits.
- Emerging evidence highlights daily fluctuations in psychological factors influencing behavior.
- This study examines variability in PA determinants among older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between subject-level variability in PA determinants and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA).
- To explore the interaction between the mean and variability of PA determinants.
- To understand PA regulation processes in older adults.
Main Methods:
- 202 older adults participated in a 1-year study with 3 data waves.
- Accelerometers measured MVPA, and ecological momentary assessment captured psychological determinants.
- Mixed-effects location scale and multilevel modeling analyzed subject-level means and variability.
Main Results:
- Variability in PA intentions, self-efficacy, and planning positively correlated with daily MVPA.
- The positive association between variability and MVPA weakened at higher mean levels of intentions and self-efficacy.
- Subject-level variability in psychological determinants is a significant factor in older adults' PA engagement.
Conclusions:
- Subject-level variability in psychological determinants may enhance physical activity engagement in older adults.
- This variability appears particularly adaptive for individuals with lower levels of these determinants.
- Incorporating variability into PA research offers deeper insights into behavior regulation.
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