DOES CURRENT ACTIVITY STATUS IMPACT GOAL RECOMMENDATION ADHERENCE IN A WORKSITE WALKING INTERVENTION?

Publication Date

4-5-2019

Document Type

Poster

Degree Type

Undergraduate

Department

Kinesiology & Recreation

Mentor

Anna Miles

Mentor Department

Kinesiology & Recreation

Abstract

Goal setting is a common motivational technique used by many people when trying to increase their current physical activity habits. However, it can be difficult for people to realistically set goals based on their current and past activity experiences. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine if adherence to goal setting recommendations differ between active versus inactive individuals. METHODS: Adult participants (N=38) enrolled in a four week worksite walking intervention first completed a survey assessing demographic information and stage of change to determine current activity status. Next, currently active (n=14) and inactive (n=24) participants wore blinded accelerometers for one week to obtain baseline average daily step counts. Then, participants reviewed baseline numbers with a researcher to determine daily step goals for each week of the intervention. Participants were told that setting daily goals to increase 10% each week from baseline is recommended for safe and effective step increases. After informing participants of these recommendations, they were allowed to choose their daily step goals for each week of the intervention. Goals set by participants in Week 1 were used to examine if activity status influenced adherence to the 10% step increase recommendation. RESULTS: A one-way between subjects ANOVA was conducted to compare the effect of activity status on Week 1 goal setting in active and inactive participants. There was a significant effect of activity status on Week 1 goal setting at the p<.05 level for the two conditions [F(1, 36) = 4.834, p = 0.034]. Post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD test indicated that the mean score for inactive participants (M = 701.74, SD = 1397.81) was significantly different than active participants (M = -242.59, SD = 1029.58). CONCLUSION: Participants who were currently inactive set their goals higher than the recommended 10% increase from baseline for Week 1 while participants currently active set their goals lower than the recommendation. Goal setting should be realistic but challenging and activity status may impact a client's desire to adhere to suggested recommendations. Considering a client's current physical activity status may be valuable to consider when advising during the goal setting process and can be applied for a beneficial rehabilitation or exercise program.

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