Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

The effect of need supportive text messages on motivation and physical activity behaviour

Kinnafick, F.-E., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. and Duda, J. L. (2016) The effect of need supportive text messages on motivation and physical activity behaviour. Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 0160-7715.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Few short messaging service (SMS) studies to support behaviour change have used a theoretical underpinning. Using a self-determination theory perspective, we explored the effects of need supportive (NS) SMS on physical activity in 65 (BMI = 24.06 kg/m2, SD = 5.49; M = 25.76 years, SD = 10.23) insufficiently active individuals embarking on an existing exercise programme. For 10 weeks participants were randomised to an intervention group (NS) or control group (neutral). SMS were sent twice weekly, randomly, via an online SMS service. Mixed design ANCOVA and MANCOVA analyses of measures taken at baseline, mid and post intervention revealed increased levels of perceived autonomy support and psychological need satisfaction in the intervention group post intervention. Both groups reported increases in intrinsic motivation from pre to post intervention. Moderate intensity physical activity was greater in the intervention than the control group at 4-month post intervention with control group returning to baseline levels. Findings provide preliminary causal evidence to support the use of NS SMS to optimise physical activity behaviour change in individuals who are insufficiently active.
Additional Information: A pre-publication version of this article was made available electronically by the publisher on 26 February 2016.
Uncontrolled Keywords: SMS, need support, exercise class, intervention, self-determination theory
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > GV706 Sports psychology
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA773 Personal health and hygiene > RA781 Physical fitness. Exercise
Creators: Kinnafick, Florence-Emilie, Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C and Duda, J L
Publisher: Springer
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Health
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences
Date: 26 February 2016
Date Type: Published Online
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.​1007/​s10865-016-9722-1
ISSN: 0160-7715
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/8177

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