A pilot study on the motivational effects of an internet-delivered physical activity behaviour change programme in Nova Scotian cancer survivors

Forbes, Cynthia C.; Blanchard, Chris M.; Mummery, W. Kerry; Courneya, Kerry S.

Abstract

© 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Objective: To examine the effects of an internet-delivered, distance-based physical activity (PA) behaviour change programme on motivation to perform PA in cancer survivors. Design: Breast, prostate and colorectal cancer survivors (N = 95) were randomized to either an online Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)-based PA behaviour change programme (UCAN) or usual care. Main Outcome Measures: Motivational variables from the TPB including intention, planning, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and underlying beliefs. Results: UCAN had significant negative effects on self-efficacy (−.7; 95% CI = −1.2 to −.1; d = −.53, p =.019), affective attitude (−.4; 95% CI = −.8 to −.0; d = −.45, p =.044), instrumental attitude (−.5; 95% CI = −.9 to −.1; d = −.43, p =.026) and confidence to perform PA in bad weather (−.8; 95% CI = −1.6 to −.1; d = −.49, p =.030), despite health issues (−.7; 95% CI = −1.3 to −.1; d = −.48, p =.031), despite pain/soreness (−.7; 95% CI = −1.4 to −.1; d = −.52, p =.020), despite family responsibilities (−1.0; 95% CI = −1.7 to −.3; d = −.62, p =.005) and when PA is boring (−.8; 95% CI = −1.4 to −.1; d = −.54, p =.016). Conclusion: UCAN had negative effects on motivational variables in cancer survivors. These findings may be explained by methodological issues related to measuring motivation and/or the absence of post-intentional constructs.

Citation

Forbes, C. C., Blanchard, C. M., Mummery, W. K., & Courneya, K. S. (2017). A pilot study on the motivational effects of an internet-delivered physical activity behaviour change programme in Nova Scotian cancer survivors. Psychology & health, 32(2), 234-252. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2016.1260725

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 9, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Nov 24, 2016
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Deposit Date: Sep 5, 2018
• Journal: Psychology & Health
• Print ISSN: 0887-0446
• Electronic ISSN: 1476-8321
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 234-252
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2016.1260725
• Keywords: Theory of planned behaviour; Survivorship; Exercise; Behaviour intervention; Motivation
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1020977
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08870446.2016.1260725
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=gpsh20