Towards a physically more active lifestyle based on one’s own values: the results of a randomized controlled trial among physically inactive adults

Abstract

BackgroundThe high prevalence of physical inactivity has led to a search for novel and feasible interventions that will enhance physical activity, especially among the least physically active individuals. This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the effectiveness of a value-based intervention to promote a physically more active lifestyle among physically inactive adults. The framework of the study was based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).MethodsPhysically inactive participants aged 30 to 50 years (n = 138) were randomly allocated to a feedback (FB, n = 69) or an acceptance- and commitment-based group (ACT + FB, n = 69). Both groups received written feedback about their objectively measured physical activity and were offered a body composition analysis. In addition, the participants in the ACT + FB group attended six group sessions and were given a pedometer for self-monitoring their physical activity during the nine-week intervention. The primary outcome was physical activity. In addition, participants’ cognitions related to exercise and physical activity were evaluated at baseline and at three- and six-month follow-ups. The changes in mean physical activity level were analysed using multilevel random regression and rank order stability, using the structural equation model.ResultsParticipants in both groups increased their objectively measured and self-reported physical activity with high individual differences. No difference was observed in the change of physical activity level between the FB and ACT + FB groups over time. However, the cognitions related to physical activity and exercise improved more in the ACT + FB group than in the FB group. In addition, after re-analyzing the data among the non-depressive participants, higher stability was observed in objectively measured physical activity at the individual level between the three- and six-month follow-ups in the ACT + FB group as compared to FB group.ConclusionsAcceptance- and commitment-based group intervention, combined with the self-monitoring of physical activity, was beneficial in supporting the cognition related to exercise and physical activity, and brought more stability to the individual level physical activity behaviour change, especially among the non-depressive participants.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01796990. Registered in February 2013.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1604-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Psychosocial correlates of physical activity levels in individuals at risk of developing diabetes mellitus: A feasibility study

“…Indeed, a previous study demonstrated that physically active adults demonstrated better mindfulness skills (a component of PF) in comparison to less physically active adults (Kangasniemi et al 2014). Contrary to some literature (Kangasniemi et al 2014, Kangasniemi et al 2015, we observed a non-significant association between PF and PA measures, indicating that individuals with or without greater PF engage in similar levels of PA. In support of our findings, a recent study (Mutikainen et al 2015) also reported no association between PF and PA levels, suggesting that future research should use an exercise-specific AAQ version in place of the generic AAQ-II questionnaire (Forman et al 2009).…”

“…In regard to PA, PF has been considered an aversive cognitive situation that can be associated with physical inactivity (Kangasniemi et al 2014). Interventions which target improving one's PF, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, have achieved positive health behaviours including increasing PA among physically inactive adults and reducing weight in obese individuals (Kangasniemi et al 2015, Lillis et al 2009.…”

Mindfulness and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: State of the Evidence, Plausible Mechanisms, and Theoretical Framework

“…A prospective observational study demonstrated that individuals with higher levels of dispositional mindfulness were more likely to follow through with baseline intentions to be physically active at 5 weeks follow-up [26]. A few ACT randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed promising effects on increasing physical activity after 1 h to 6 months of follow-up time [27–30]. A recent observational study showed that mindfulness was associated with physical activity levels only in participants with weak habits for regularly doing physical activity [31].…”

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Weight Loss and CVD Risk Management

“…To date the interventions for physical activity that have included mindfulness have been based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [75–78]. Three of the four randomized controlled trials showed significant effects on physical activity outcomes including self-report physical activity (Brief Physical Assessment Tool assessing number of physical activity bouts per week [79], International Physical Activity Questionnaire [76]) and directly assessed physical activity (pedometer-assessed step count [76] and exercise tolerance time defined as duration of loaded pedaling [77]).…”