The Effect of a Multifaceted Efficacy Intervention on Exercise Behavior in Relatives of Colon Cancer Patients

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) provides health benefits; however, at least 60% of the population fails to engage in the recommended amount of PA required to produce these health benefits.

Purpose: The primary purpose of the study was to examine over a 12-week structured exercise program the effect of a multifaceted efficacy intervention (MEI-i.e., task and specific types of self-regulatory efficacy) on objectively measured exercise behavior. Secondary purposes were to examine the effect of the MEI on both task and self-regulatory efficacy levels; and to determine whether efficacy beliefs could predict exercise behavior.

Methods: Relatives of colon cancer patients (N = 140) were enrolled in an exercise program, and were randomized to either a MEI or attention control condition, and took part in classroom sessions. Behavior was assessed throughout the 12-week program using objective measures of frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise, and dropout rates, while self-reported task, barrier, scheduling, goal-setting, and relapse prevention efficacy were assessed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12.

Results: The MEI group exercised for longer duration in the early phase of the program (i.e., 0-4 weeks); however, no significant differences were noted for exercise frequency and intensity. Differential dropout was found favoring the MEI group at weeks 8 and 12. No treatment condition differences were found for reported efficacy beliefs. Proceeding self-efficacious beliefs were associated with objective measures of behavior.

Conclusions: A MEI grounded in Social Cognitive Theory was partially effective in influencing colon cancer relatives' exercise behavior.