Examining implicit cognitions in the evaluation of a community-wide physical activity program

You don't know why you (don't) exercise: The relationship between automatic processes and physical activity (or sedentary behavior): A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aimed to examine the relationship between automatic processes and behavior as well as their moderators.

METHODS

There were 126 effect sizes (Fisher's Z) extracted from 55 independent research studies involving 10,432 participants. Meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.3. Univariate meta-regression models were used to analyze underlying moderators.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis after correction found that automatic processes could significantly and positively predict behavior, but the effect size was small (Fisher's Z = 0.057, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.043, 0.070]).

CONCLUSIONS

Different components of automatic processes, task reliability, and study design moderated the relationship between automatic processes and behavior. Future research could explore automatic measures at a neurophysiological level or use population-matched stimuli for specific populations to improve measure validity. In addition, future research should accumulate evidence on how to reduce sedentary behavior.

Is approaching sedentary behaviour or physical activity a reward? An EEG study

OBJECTIVE

To understand why individuals (do not) exercise, our study examined differences in approach and avoidance tendencies towards physical activity and sedentary behaviours among runners and non-runners, especially at the neural level.

METHODS

Using electroencephalography (EEG), 31 participants completed an approach-avoidance task.

RESULTS

We found that at the behavioural level, non-runners were faster to approach sedentary behaviour relative to runners. However, at the neural level, they both had a tendency to avoid physical activity. Specifically, avoiding physical activity had less conflict monitoring (smaller N1), required more cognitive processes (larger P3), and was more neurologically efficient (higher alpha coherence).

CONCLUSIONS

These results supported the theory of effort minimization in physical activity (TEMPA), with both runners and non-runners regarding sedentary behaviour as a reward.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.

Physically active individuals look for more: An eye-tracking study of attentional bias

Attentional capture by exercise-related stimuli is important for the regulation of physical activity. Attentional processing underlying this capture has been investigated with indirect behavioral measures based on reaction times. To investigate more direct measures of visual spatial attention toward physical activity (vs. inactivity) stimuli, we used eye-tracking and a visual dot probe task in 77 young adults with various level of physical activity. Reaction times to detect a dot appearing in the area previously occupied by a physical activity (vs. inactivity) stimulus were an indirect measure of attentional bias. The first picture gaze and viewing time were more direct measures of attentional orienting and attentional engagement, respectively. Pupil dilation was an indicator of arousal. Reaction times revealed a two-way interaction between the location of the dot and participants' usual level of physical activity. Only participants with a high level of physical activity more quickly detected a dot when it appeared in the area previously occupied by a physical activity stimulus. Eye-tracking results showed greater odds of first gazing at physical activity stimuli and for a longer time, and a greater decrease in pupil size when viewing physical activity stimuli when usual level of physical activity was moderate or high, but not low. The variance explained in the outcomes ranged from 13.9% (pupil dilation) to 40% (reaction times). Overall, as hypothesized, compared to less physically active participants, participants who were more physically active demonstrated indirect (reaction times) and direct (first gaze, viewing time) evidence of a more pronounced attentional bias toward physical activity. Physical activity stimuli biased attention, with a pronounced effect when the level of physical activity was higher. These findings suggest that physical activity stimuli are relevant to the current concerns of moderately and highly active individuals.

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 association between implicit attitudes toward physical activity and physical activity behaviour: a systematic review and correlational meta-analysis

As a result of recent calls to attend to the implicit processes that regulate health behaviours, the study of implicit attitudes and physical activity behaviour has grown rapidly in the past decade. The aim of this study was to summarise existing evidence on the extent to which implicit attitudes toward physical activity are associated with physical activity behaviour. A systematic literature review was performed to retrieve studies reporting both a measure of implicit attitudes and physical activity. For the meta-analysis, effect size (Pearson's r) were extracted from eligible studies or retrieved from authors. A total of 26 independent studies, and 55 effect sizes, were eligible. There was a small, significant, and positive correlation between implicit attitudes and physical activity, a finding replicated across multiple meta-analytical strategies with sensitivity analyses applied. This association was not significantly moderated by study design or objective, participants' age or other characteristics, or measures of implicit attitudes or physical activity. This meta-analysis provides evidence that implicit attitudes toward physical activity are positively associated with physical activity in adults to a small degree.

The short-term effects of a mass reach physical activity campaign: an evaluation using hierarchy of effects model and intention profiles

Background

Mass reach physical activity campaigns are designed to deliver physical-activity related messages to a large population across different media including print, television, radio, and websites. Few evaluations have examined the short-term effects of a mass reach campaign on participants who were engaged with the campaign. The current research examined the short-term effects of the ParticipACTION 150 Play List, a mass reach physical activity campaign, on participants who registered with the campaign website.

Methods

Participants (N = 7801) completed a registration questionnaire measuring demographic information, awareness and recall of physical activity and sport advertising, and self-reported number of activities tried or planned to try from the 150 Play List. A follow-up survey was completed by 1298 participants from the original sample. Additional questions assessed experience with the 150 Play List and attitudes towards campaign advertisements.

Results

Approximately 14.5% of participants cited the ParticipACTION 150 Play List and 23.6% mentioned a ‘getting active’ message when recalling advertisements. Those who named the 150 Play List or getting active reported more activities tried and more activities planned than those who did not. They were also more likely to say they had tried a new activity and planned ongoing participation. It was also found that participants with a disability were more likely to have tried a new activity compared to those not in a minority group. Other correlates of trying new activities at follow-up were younger age, more positive reported experience with the 150 Play List, and more favourable attitudes towards campaign advertisements. Those who did not intend continued participation, or who were unsure at baseline and then decided against continued participation at follow-up, reported they were less sedentary or encouraging others to be active.

Conclusions

This research addresses the gap in evidence regarding the efficacy of mass reach physical activity campaigns by informing whether a year-long campaign like the 150 Play List can be effective in influencing the behavior of those engaged with the campaign. The results reinforce the idea that ‘top of mind’ awareness should be measured. Investigating intention profiles can help inform campaign impacts and continuation intentions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6218-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.