The Physical Activity Regulation Scale: Development and validity testing.

OBJECTIVE: Behavioral regulation tactics used to manage actions after the formation of a physical activity (PA) intention are common to many theories, yet comprehensive measures of PA regulation are scant. PURPOSE: To develop a reliable instrument of PA regulation and test predictive validity and its capacity to mediate the intention-PA relationship. METHOD: To achieve a pool of candidate items, we used the behavior change technique taxonomy as a template, followed by a critical literature review of PA regulation measures to extract exemplar items, and then concluded with a Delphi feedback method (N = 4). The main study included a sample representative of the Canadian adult population to explore and then confirm the construct and discriminant validity, and internal consistency reliability of the measure using two independent samples (N = 683 and N = 727). Finally, using a 2-week prospective design, the full sample was used to investigate test-retest reliability, and predictive validity of self-reported PA at Time 2. RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in a reliable 14-item, four-factor measure (internal consistencies > .80) of (a) proactive regulation, (b) reactive regulation, (c) social monitoring, and (d) self-monitoring, we named the Physical Activity Regulation Scale (PARS). The PARS factors explained 18% of PA at Time 2, and mediated the relationship between intention and PA. CONCLUSION: While continued testing is needed, the initial evidence is supportive that the PARS may be a useful PA behavioral regulation measure to include for use within various theoretical models applied to understand PA. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Development and Validation of a Two-component Perceived Control Measure.

BACKGROUND: Research indicates that perceived behavioral control (PBC) is an important determinant of behavior and that it is composed of perceived capability and opportunity. However, typical measurement of these constructs may be confounded with motivation and outcome expectations. Vignettes presented before questionnaire items may clarify construct meaning leading to precise measurement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate measures of perceived capability and opportunity that parse these constructs from the influence of motivation and outcome expectations using vignettes. METHODS: Study 1 collected feedback from experts (N = 9) about the initial measure. Study 2a explored internal consistency reliability and construct and discriminant validity of the revised measure using two independent samples (N = 683 and N = 727). Finally, using a prospective design, Study 2b (N = 1,410) investigated test-retest reliability, construct and discriminant validity at Time 2, and nomological validity. RESULTS: After Study 1, the revised measure was tested in Studies 2a and 2b. Overall, the evidence suggests that the measure is optimal with four items for perceived capability and three for the perceived opportunity. The measure demonstrated strong internal consistency ( > 0.90) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] > .78). The measure also showed construct and discriminant validity by differentiating itself from behavioral intentions (i.e., motivation) and affective attitude (based on expected outcomes) (SRMR = 0.03; RMSEA = 0.06). It also demonstrated evidence of nomological validity as behavior 2 weeks later was predicted. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend researchers use this tool in future correlational and intervention studies to parse motivation and outcome expectations from perceived capability and opportunity measurement.

Examining the Impact of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on Explicit Perceptions of Paralympians and Individuals with Disabilities.

One of the goals of the Paralympic Games is to improve social attitudes toward individuals with physical disabilities (PD) through exposure to parasport and Paralympic mass media messaging. This study assessed whether this goal is achieved by examining changes in explicit perceptions toward Paralympians and individuals with PD over the course of the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Adults without PD (n = 119) were randomized into two groups: (1) an exposure group that was e-mailed local Paralympic Games coverage information before each day of the Games; and (2) a control group that received no e-mails about coverage. All participants completed measures assessing explicit perceptions (i.e., warmth and competence) of Paralympians and individuals with PD two weeks before, two weeks after, and three months following the Games. Exposure to Paralympic media was also assessed. No differences were present between groups for time spent watching the Games, explicit perceptions, or demographics (ps > .05). Thus, data was collapsed across groups for the main analyses. Repeated measure ANOVAs with Bonferroni adjustments indicated that explicit perceptions of warmth decreased over time for both Paralympians and individuals with PD (p ≤ .005). However, Paralympians were rated as significantly more competent and warmer than individuals with PD (ps < .001) at each timepoint. Findings suggest that public exposure to the Paralympics may have more value for Paralympians than the larger disability community. Further research should explore how to disseminate communication regarding the Paralympics to improve social attitudes and optimize integration of all people with disabilities in society.

Protocol for a living systematic review for the management of concussion in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often presents initially with disabling symptoms that resolve, but for an unfortunate minority some of these symptoms may become prolonged. Although research into diagnosis and interventions for concussion is increasing, study quality overall remains low. A living systematic review that is updated as evidence becomes available is the ideal research activity to inform a living guideline targeting clinicians and patients. The purpose of this paper is to present the protocol of an ongoing living systematic review for the management of adult concussion that will inform living guidelines building off the Guideline for Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms: third Edition. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol guidelines were followed in the reporting of this systematic review protocol. We are including English peer-reviewed observational studies, trials, qualitative studies, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines related to diagnosis/assessment or treatment of adult concussion. Future searches will be conducted at minimum every 6 months using the following databases: MEDLINE ALL, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycInfo and CINAHL. The data are managed in the Covidence website. Screening, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments are being done through multiple raters working independently. Multiple validated tools are being used to assess risk of bias, and the tool applied matches the document or study design (eg, Downs and Black Scale for healthcare interventions). Many concussion experts in various clinical disciplines from across North America have volunteered to examine the evidence in order to make recommendations for the living guidelines. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval is necessary because primary data are not collected. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and on the living guidelines website once built. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022301786.

Marketing Physical Activity? Exploring the Role of Brand Resonance in Health Promotion.

Social marketing campaigns promoting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may be more successful when associated with strong brands. Little is known regarding how brand constructs such as brand resonance may be related to MVPA and its antecedents (e.g., having a physical activity identity). A better knowledge of these constructs and their relationships can reveal how to strengthen brands to make them more useful for interventions. The purpose of this study was to test a model linking ParticipACTION (a Canadian social marketing organization) brand constructs (brand affective attitude, identification, resonance), MVPA antecedents (behavioral affective attitude, identity), and MVPA. This study used a cross-sectional online survey design with a representative Canadian adult sample of 1,475 people (M age = 49.36; 49.1% female). Path analysis was conducted to test the model. Overall, the model fit the data well, demonstrating positive associations between brand affective attitude and identification, identification and resonance, resonance and both behavioral affective attitude and identity, behavioral affective attitude and both identity and MVPA, and identity and MVPA. The results suggest that building brand resonance is important for linking branding to MVPA variables. Brand management activities designed to target brand affective attitude may be crucial to helping people feel strong resonance with a brand in a way that supports behavior change.

The Feasibility of Using Instagram Data to Predict Exercise Identity and Physical Activity Levels: Cross-sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Exercise identity is an important predictor for regular physical activity (PA). There is a lack of research on the potential mechanisms or antecedents of identity development. Theories of exercise identity have proposed that investment, commitment and self-referential (eg, I am an exerciser) statements, and social activation (comparison, support) may be crucial to identity development. Social media may be a potential mechanism to shape identity. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to (1) explore whether participants were willing to share their Instagram data with researchers to predict their lifestyle behaviors; (2) examine whether PA-related Instagram uses (ie, the percentage of PA-related Instagram posts, fitness-related followings, and the number of likes received on PA-related posts) were positively associated with exercise identity; and (3) evaluate whether exercise identity mediates the relationship between PA-related Instagram use and weekly PA minutes. METHODS: Participants (18-30 years old) were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate their current levels of exercise identity and PA. Participants' Instagram data for the past 12 months before the completion of the questionnaire were extracted and analyzed with their permission. Instagram posts related to PA in the 12 months before their assessment, the number of likes received for each PA-related post, and verified fitness- or PA-related followings by the participants were extracted and analyzed. Pearson correlation analyses were used to evaluate the relationship among exercise identity, PA, and Instagram uses. We conducted mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro modeling tool to examine whether exercise identity mediated the relationship between Instagram use variables and PA. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to compare the number of willing participants versus those who were not willing to share their Instagram data. RESULTS: Of the 76 participants recruited to participate, 54% (n=41) shared their Instagram data. The percentage of PA-related Instagram posts (r=0.38; P=.01) and fitness-related Instagram followings (r=0.39; P=.01) were significantly associated with exercise identity. The average number of "likes" received (r=0.05, P=.75) was not significantly associated with exercise identity. Exercise identity significantly influenced the relationship between Instagram usage metrics (ie, the percentage of PA-related Instagram posts [P=.01] and verified fitness-related Instagram accounts [P=.01]) and PA level. Exercise identity did not significantly influence the relationship between the average number of "likes" received for the PA-related Instagram posts and PA level. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that an increase in PA-related Instagram posts and fitness-related followings were associated with a greater sense of exercise identity. Higher exercise identity led to higher PA levels. Exercise identity significantly influenced the relationship between PA-related Instagram posts (P=.01) and fitness-related followings on PA levels (P=.01). These results suggest that Instagram may influence a person's exercise identity and PA levels. Future intervention studies are warranted.

Examining differences in parents' perceptions of children's physical activity versus screen time guidelines and behaviours.

AIM: Most Canadian and Australian children do not meet Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) or Screen Time Guidelines (STG). Regarding the social issue advertising believability model (SIABM), parental support for these behaviours may depend upon how believable parents find guideline messages. The aim of the study was to examine differences in parents' SIABM variables and perceived behavioural control for PAG and STG messages. METHODS: Data were collected online; 499 Canadian parents with at least one child aged 5-11 years (75.6% mothers) participated. Differences in model variables were analysed using analyses of variance. RESULTS: Parents demonstrated greater issue involvement, attitudes towards the issue, parental support attitudes and perceived behavioural control for the PAG compared to the STG (d > 0.10). Mothers believed the messages more and had more favourable attitudes towards the issues as compared to fathers (d > 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Parents' evaluations of PAG messages and corresponding supportive behaviours were generally more positive than STG. Future messages should emphasise supportive behaviours for screen time reduction that are feasible and enjoyable for children.

Personality and perceived stress during COVID-19 pandemic: Testing the mediating role of perceived threat and efficacy.

Prolonged stress is associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes. Understanding the mediators between personality and stress is critical for developing effective stress management interventions during a pandemic. Our study explored whether perceptions of threat from COVID-19 and efficacy to follow government recommendations for preventing COVID-19 would mediate the relationships between personality traits (e.g., neuroticism, conscientiousness-goal-striving, extroversion-activity and sociability) and perceived stress. In an online survey of a representative sample of Canadian adults (n = 1055), we found that higher neuroticism and extroversion were associated with higher levels of stress during the pandemic and a greater increase in stress levels compared to levels before the pandemic. Perceived threat and efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between neuroticism and stress, which suggested that individuals with higher neuroticism experienced higher levels of stress due to higher levels of perceived threat and lower levels of efficacy. Perceived threat did not mediate the relationship between extroverts and stress, which suggested that the source of stress may stem from elsewhere (e.g., inability to socialize). Our findings highlighted that personality traits could be an important factor in identifying stress-prone individuals during a pandemic and that stress management interventions need to be personality specific.

Correlates of Perceived Physical Activity Transitions during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Canadian Adults.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore socio-ecological predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as a result of the COVD-19 pandemic restrictions. METHOD: A representative sample of 1,055 English-speaking Canadians (18+ years) completed measures of MVPA during the COVID-19 restrictions and reflecting on MVPA prior to these restrictions, as well as demographics, COVID-19-related cognitions and behavior (i.e. perceived threat, social distancing), psychological factors (e.g. personality traits, habit, identity, strategic planning), social factors (e.g. dependent children, co-habitation), home environment affordances (exercise equipment, programming) and the neighborhood environment (e.g. access to outdoor recreation, neighborhood safety). RESULTS: Participants perceived that they had decreased weekly MVPA (p < .01) and the availability of home equipment and strategic planning were critical predictors (p < .01). Profiles by MVPA guidelines, however, showed that 58 per cent of the sample had not changed and 6 per cent had increased MVPA. Identity was the critical predictor of the different MVPA profiles, followed by habit, extraversion, availability of home equipment, and the age of the participant (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Pandemic restrictions have affected the MVPA of many Canadians, and variables across the socio-ecological spectrum explain who has been able to maintain MVPA during this unprecedented time.

Changing Sedentary Behavior in the Office: A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing the Effect of Affective, Instrumental, and Self-Regulatory Messaging on Sitting.

BACKGROUND: Although avoiding sedentary behavior has many health benefits, adults often sit for long periods at work. The purpose of this study was to compare affective attitude, instrumental attitude, and self-regulation messaging interventions on sitting in the workplace. METHODS: Using a cluster randomised controlled trial design, participants (N = 116) were assigned (by workplace) to: (a) instrumental, (b) affective, (c) self-regulation, or (d) control (nutrition information) groups. Measurements were taken online at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks post-baseline. The interventions comprised three presentations delivered following baseline, week 4, and week 8 assessments. The primary outcome was self-reported average hours of sitting per day at work (registered trial number: NCT04082624). RESULTS: Controlling for baseline sitting, overall, the affective group sat for less time than the instrumental and self-regulation groups. Also, at week 4, the affective group sat for less time than the instrumental and self-regulation groups and, at week 8, the affective group sat for less time than the self-regulation and control groups. There were no differences between the groups at week 12. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation showed that workplace interventions targeting affective attitude can lead to less sitting time in the short term. Future research should explore additional strategies to minimise sedentary behavior in the long term.

The Effects of Branding on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review.

It is important to increase the number of people regularly physically active to enhance health. Physical activity (PA) promotion organizations with strong brands may be more effective at motivating PA. However, these organizations must know which brand equity variables (e.g., brand awareness) to prioritize in their marketing. No previous review has examined whether brand equity variables are associated with PA-related variables. The primary objective of this study was to learn whether brand equity variables are associated with PA behaviors (e.g., moderate or vigorous PA). A secondary objective was to evaluate whether brand equity variables are associated with potential correlates of PA (e.g., self-efficacy). In addition to other search methods, four databases were searched for articles (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Business Source Complete). Thirty articles met the eligibility criteria. Regarding behavior, brand awareness and associations were associated with moderate or vigorous PA but not less intense activities such as walking. For correlates, brand awareness was associated with self-efficacy, outcome expectations, attitude, and parental approval of child PA. Brand associations were only associated with attitude. Age and brand awareness measure emerged as moderators of the awareness to moderate or vigorous PA relationship. Future research should examine the antecedents of brand awareness and use experimental designs.

The role of identity in parental support for physical activity and healthy eating among overweight and obese children.

Introduction: Parental support behaviors are established predictors of children's physical activity and healthy eating. However, little is known about predictors of these parental support behaviors. Identity (i.e. a component of the self-concept) has been hypothesized to be an influential construct that may be associated with a variety of behavioral antecedents and behavior itself. Specifically, research suggests healthy eating or physical activity parental support affective attitude may predict parental identity, and that identity may predict support behavior directly and indirectly through support self-regulation (e.g. planning). Thus, this study expands on past literature by exploring these antecedents and outcomes of parental identity in the context of parental support for physical activity and healthy eating among overweight and obese children. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, 83 parents (61.4% female) with at least one overweight or obese child completed measures assessing parental support affective attitude, parental identity, support self-regulation, and actual support behaviors. Path analysis was conducted to examine model fit and hypothesized relationships between variables for eating and physical activity separately. Results: For both behavioral domains, the model fit was good. Parental support affective attitude predicted parental identity, parental identity predicted support self-regulation, and support self-regulation predicted support behavior. Further, for both behaviors, support self-regulation mediated the relationship between parental identity and support behavior. Finally, parental identity also directly predicted support behavior for physical activity but not eating. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the importance of identity in parental support behaviors. These results also show that fostering enjoyable experiences for parents while supporting their children may strengthen their supportive identities.

Program conditions that foster quality physical activity participation experiences for people with a physical disability: a systematic review.

Background: Due to the numerous barriers people with a physical disability face to being physically active, emphasis in practice and research is often placed on creating opportunities for participation. As such, the quality of the experience is often ignored once an individual is participating.Purpose: An understanding of how to create quality physical activity experiences is critical to foster enjoyable and sustained participation. The aim of this systematic review was to identify intervention and/or program conditions that may foster key elements that shape quality participation (QP) experiences.Methods: In all, 24 qualitative and 6 quantitative studies met inclusion criteria. The results of the qualitative studies were synthesized using thematic analysis.Results: The synthesis identified two program conditions as important for fostering QP elements: (1) group-based programing: participating with peers can be linked to belongingness and mastery and (2) leadership: knowledgeable instructors may foster mastery and autonomy. The quantitative studies lacked variability in program conditions and QP elements, which precluded associating specific conditions with elements of a quality experience.Conclusions: Although the qualitative findings highlight two program conditions which may foster QP elements, overall, evaluations of physical activity interventions involving people with disabilities rarely include experiential aspects of participation.Implications for rehabilitationGroup-based programming and leadership are two program conditions that may foster elements of quality participation.Physical activity organizers need to consider group composition. Physical activity programs should consist of peers with a disability, as appropriate, in order to promote belongingness.Physical activity programs should provide disability-specific training to leaders or seek leaders with disability-specific knowledge, in addition to physical activity knowledge and skills.

Moving beyond threshold-based dichotomous classification to improve the accuracy in classifying non-responders.

We examined maximal oxygen consumption responses following exercise training to demonstrate the limitations associated with threshold-based dichotomous classification of responders and non-responders and proposed alternative methods for classification. Specifically, we: 1) calculated individual probabilities of response, and 2) classified individuals using response confidence intervals (CI) and reference points of zero and a smallest worthwhile change of 0.5 METs. Our findings support the use of individual probabilities and individual CIs to improve the accuracy in non-response classification.

The Effects of Gain- versus Loss-Framed Messages Following Health Risk Information on Physical Activity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis.

Few people with multiple sclerosis engage in physical activity. Messaging interventions may motivate more physical activity among these individuals. The purpose of this online study was to evaluate an intervention presenting participants with multiple sclerosis (N = 237) with risk information (i.e., information demonstrating people with multiple sclerosis are more likely to experience certain health issues) or no risk information followed by gain- or loss-framed physical activity messages. Participants completed questionnaires on Days 1, 6, and 28 and received information material on Days 2-5. The dependent variables were as follows: physical activity intentions and behavior, response and task efficacy, perceived threat (i.e., perception of threat to health issues relevant to people with multiple sclerosis), and avoidance (i.e., avoiding thinking about/doing something about the health issues presented in the messages). Analyses indicated physical activity and response efficacy increased over time. Also, participants receiving risk information had higher levels of physical activity and perceived threat. However, manipulation checks showed no differences between participants regarding perceptions of risk information or gain/loss-framed messages. Despite the lack of impact of the framing intervention, this study suggests that a brief informational intervention can positively influence physical activity and certain correlates of physical activity among people with multiple sclerosis.