Prediction of attendance at fitness center: a comparison between the theory of planned behavior, the social cognitive theory, and the physical activity maintenance theory

Abstract

In the processes of physical activity (PA) maintenance specific predictors are effective, which differ from other stages of PA development. Recently, Physical Activity Maintenance Theory (PAMT) was specifically developed for prediction of PA maintenance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictability of the future behavior by the PAMT and compare it with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Participation rate in a fitness center was observed for 101 college students (53 female) aged between 19 and 32 years (M = 23.6; SD = 2.9) over 20 weeks using a magnetic card. In order to predict the pattern of participation TPB, SCT and PAMT were used. A latent class zero-inflated Poisson growth curve analysis identified two participation patterns: regular attenders and intermittent exercisers. SCT showed the highest predictive power followed by PAMT and TPB. Impeding aspects as life stress and barriers were the strongest predictors suggesting that overcoming barriers might be an important aspect for working out on a regular basis. Self-efficacy, perceived behavioral control, and social support could also significantly differentiate between the participation patterns.

Fulfilled Emotional Outcome Expectancies Enable Successful Adoption and Maintenance of Physical Activity

“…Based on our findings, a more subtle segmenting of OE, which exceeds the dimensions of proximal and distal OE, and possibly also a detachment of expectancy (including expected likelihood of occurrence) and value could be addressed in future studies. Similarly, recent work in the physical activity domain suggested focusing on affective determinants of behavior (Rhodes et al, 2009 ; Jekauc et al, 2015 ) and systematizing different dimensions of OE (French et al, 2005 ; Conner et al, 2011 ; Gellert et al, 2012 ).…”

Identifying groups at risk for 1-year membership termination from a fitness center at enrollment

“…Though there is limited research in this area, there is some evidence that psychological stress negatively predicts physical activity maintenance. Individuals with more life stress are more likely to be irregular exercisers (Jekauc et al, 2015), and those that are starting exercise programs have more difficulty maintaining exercise when they are experiencing stress, whereas individuals who are long-time exercisers may respond to stress with greater exercise participation (Clark et al, 2011, Lutz et al, 2010). Increased stress and decreased life satisfaction may overwhelm coping resources reducing self-regulation capacity and consequently leading to early termination (e.g., Fields et al, 2014).…”

“…Evidence suggests that individuals with higher body mass index (BMI), who are previously physically inactive, and are motivated to lose weight rather than to improve health are more likely to terminate their memberships (Sperandei et al, 2016). Other research has shown that social cognitive predictors (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, barriers, and facilitators) are significant predictors of fitness center visits (Jekauc et al, 2015). To our knowledge, there have not been any additional peer-reviewed studies examining this important area.…”

Measurement properties of the German version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale for adults

“…For health-enhancing effects, it is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) a week [8]. However, looking at PA levels in several countries [9,10], the question how to improve PA adherence is a critical one [11,12]. In this context, PA enjoyment has been shown to be an important factor theoretically and empirically [13].…”