The feasibility and efficacy of a novel social cognitive theory-based intervention to reduce sedentary time and promote physical activity among working adults

Erlenbach, Emily

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120350 Copy

Description

Title

The feasibility and efficacy of a novel social cognitive theory-based intervention to reduce sedentary time and promote physical activity among working adults

Author(s)

Erlenbach, Emily

Issue Date

2023-04-07

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Gothe, Neha P

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Gothe, Neha P

Committee Member(s)

• McAuley, Edward
• Burd, Nicholas
• Rosenberg, Dori

Department of Study

Kinesiology & Community Health

Discipline

Kinesiology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Sedentary behavior
• middle-age
• social cognitive theory
• physical activity
• working adults

Abstract

Combatting low levels of moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) engagement among American adults has long been, and continues to be, a primary concern for health scientists. Accumulating evidence has further revealed that even adults who meet the MVPA recommendations (150 minutes/week) tend to also engage in detrimentally high amounts of daily sedentary time. From 2007-2016, total daily sedentary time among adults has increased from 5.5 to 6.5 hours per day, and this climb shows no signs of slowing down. This unchecked rise in sedentary behavior has shifted health behavior research towards focusing on MVPA promotion and sedentary time reduction as crucial components of a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, full-time working adults are at exceptionally high risk for leading sedentary, inactive lifestyles due to the prevalence of desk-based jobs, sedentary tasks, and passive commuting. The pandemic also reshaped the workplace by increasing the options for remote work, a format associated with higher sedentary time compared to office settings. There has been a lot of research on designing interventions for reducing sedentary time among working adults. However, these efforts often primarily targeted sedentary time only and neglected to also target MVPA engagement as a means to help participants achieve an optimal daily activity profile. Therefore, this dissertation aimed to examine the feasibility and efficacy of simultaneously increasing MVPA engagement and reducing sedentary time among a sample of low-active middle-aged adults working full-time. N=88 adults were randomized into an intervention group (MVPA-ST, n=44), designed to increase MVPA engagement and decrease daily sedentary time, or a control group (↑MVPA, n=44), which targeted MVPA only. Both groups completed a 12-week study period consisting of one weekly 60-minute virtual aerobic exercise class and guidelines to complete two additional exercise sessions on their own to build up to engaging in 150 minutes/week of MVPA. The MVPA-ST group also participated in a novel social cognitive theory-based intervention targeting displacement of daily sedentary time with increased steps. Participants in both groups were given pedometers to wear throughout the twelve weeks. Only the MVPA-ST group received additional guidance on setting goals to reduce their sitting time and increase their step counts. Changes in average steps per day (measured via pedometer) and average minutes per day of sedentary time, light-intensity physical activity, and MVPA (measured via accelerometer) were examined at baseline and immediately after the 12-week study period. A series of ANCOVA tests were run to examine the presence of a Group × Time interaction. To explore how changes in social cognitive theory constructs (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectations, sociostructural factors, and self-regulation) may explain participants’ changes in sedentary time and MVPA, a series of construct-specific questionnaires were administered at both testing time points. The constructs’ relationships with each other and the activity variables, as proposed in the original sociocognitive model by Albert Bandura, were explored using structural equation modeling. Results showed no significant Group × Time interaction effects for changes in daily sedentary time, light intensity physical activity, MVPA, or steps. However, additional analyses uncovered significant wave (cohort) effects, suggesting that the seasonal differences across the two study waves may have exerted external influences on participants’ activity levels. The sociocognitive models did not adequately explain relationships between changes in theory constructs and corresponding activity outcomes. Given that the study within this dissertation was designed to be self-directed by participants and minimally structured, the null findings suggest that physical activity programs targeting low-active working adults should include more direct support and structured sessions. These may be critical components to promote self-efficacy and initiate relevant behavior changes. Once participants have developed strong efficacy beliefs, program support could gradually taper off to encourage more autonomous behavior regulation. Significant wave effects also underscore the importance of considering the time of year these activity-promoting programs are held and how weather, seasonal activities, and variations in job duties may moderate responses to an intervention. Overall, the present findings shed light on critical design and implementation factors that should be considered when targeting sedentary time and physical activity levels of middle-aged working adults, especially in the context of hybrid workspaces in light of the pandemic.

Graduation Semester

2023-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Emily Erlenbach

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