Physical activity preferences and type 2 diabetes: Exploring demographic, cognitive, and behavioral differences

Forbes, Cynthia C.; Plotnikoff, Ronald C.; Courneya, Kerry S.; Boulé, Normand G.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity counseling and program preferences in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the objectives were to determine physical activity preferences (objective 1), and whether there were any significant differences between age and/or sex groups for these preferences (objective 1a). A subsidiary objective was to explore potential associations of key social-cognitive constructs (ie, self-efficacy and social support) with physical activity preferences (objective 2).

Methods

This exploratory study consisted of a quantitative, secondary analysis of survey data from a national sample of adults with type 2 diabetes (N = 244). A qualitative follow-up employing telephone interviews was conducted with 14 individuals.

Results

Consistent with hypotheses, walking was the most preferred physical activity behavior and there was a preference for engaging in physical activity with others. There were significant (P values < .05) differences in counseling and program preferences between demographic (age and sex), and physical activity cognitive scores. For example, a significantly (P < .05) higher physical activity intensity preference was found in men and younger participants.

Conclusions

Tailoring interventions and physical activity programs to the specific preferences of individuals is an important component for health professionals and researchers in facilitating this behavior.

Citation

Forbes, C. C., Plotnikoff, R. C., Courneya, K. S., & Boulé, N. G. (2010). Physical activity preferences and type 2 diabetes: Exploring demographic, cognitive, and behavioral differences. Diabetes Educator, 36(5), 801-815. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145721710378538

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 2, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Aug 24, 2010
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Sep 6, 2018
• Journal: The Diabetes Educator
• Print ISSN: 0145-7217
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 801-815
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0145721710378538
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1024252
• Publisher URL: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0145721710378538