A Pilot Study of the Impact of a Brief Values-Based Exercise Promotion Intervention on College Student Exercise Levels

Abstract

Background: Many individuals do not meet recommendations for adequate amounts of exercise, despite well-documented health benefits. While many studies have been designed to promote exercise, there is still a dearth of effective interventions for increasing exercise. Recently, exercise promotion interventions which aim to increase autonomous motivation using a values-based approach to behavior change have found promising results. However, they are often lengthy and multi-faceted, and it is unclear whether a simplified brief intervention could effectively promote exercise. Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to develop and test a brief exercise promotion intervention focused on integrating exercise with values among college students. Methods: 78 students were recruited from a large, Southeastern university, and 50 completed the study. Completers attended four group sessions over four weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups at a 1.5:1 ratio. The intervention group focused on integrating exercise into key value areas, while the control group received education about benefits of exercise. A mobile app was used to monitor daily self-reported exercise. Participants completed the Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2 to assess motivation for exercise and a self-report measure of congruence between exercise and values. Results: ANCOVAs were used to examine whether participation in the intervention was associated with greater exercise, controlling for baseline exercise. Students in the intervention group did not engage in more exercise compared to the control group (p=.55). The intervention group appeared to help participants engage in more values-consistent exercise (p=.021), and those in the intervention group who reported engaging in more values-based exercise reported greater exercise (p=.044). Participants who reported more intrinsic motivation for exercise engaged in more vigorous-intensity exercise (p=.018) and average METs/week (p=.018). Discussion: The brief values-focused intervention was not associated with greater exercise. However, the intervention was successful at promoting value-consistent exercise, and those most successful at integrating exercise with their values did engage in more exercise. Greater intrinsic motivation was associated with more exercise, particularly vigorous-intensity. Future studies should examine how combining exercise and values may be used to promote health behaviors and how to best implement and dose interventions for various populations.