Improving Physical Activity Levels and Psychological Variables on University Students in the Contemplation Stage

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Environmental Health
Public Health

Date 2019 Nov 14

PMID 31717406

Citations 2

Authors

Cristina Corella

Javier Zaragoza

Jose Antonio Julian

Victor Hugo Rodriguez-Ontiveros

Carlos Tomas Medrano

Inmaculada Plaza

Alberto Abarca-Sos

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Participants: 42 students, in the contemplation stage at baseline, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (16 women, 2 men; M age = 19.1 ± 1.15) and a control group (18 women, 2 men; M age = 20.1 ± 5.7).

Methods: Physical activity was measured at different moments by accelerometry. Other cognitive variables were measured by self-reported scales.

Results: We did not find any significant increases in students' physical activity in favor of the intervention group. Intragroup analyses indicate that the intervention has an effect on physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), basic psychological needs, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

Conclusions: Results partially demonstrate that applying social cognitive theories seems to be effective in improving physical activity and cognitive variables in university students in the contemplation stage.

Citing Articles

Behavioral change interventions, theories, and techniques to reduce physical inactivity and sedentary behavior in the general population: a scoping review.

El Kirat H, van Belle S, Khattabi A, Belrhiti Z BMC Public Health. 2024; 24(1):2099.

PMID: 39097741 PMC: 11297736. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19600-9.

University Students' Motives-for-Physical-Activity Profiles: Why They Practise and What They Get in Terms of Psychological Need Satisfaction.

Valenzuela R, Codina N, Pestana J Front Psychol. 2021; 11:621065.

PMID: 33510695 PMC: 7835284. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.621065.

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