Research Article

Effect Of A Motivational Coaching Intervention On Exercise Motivation And Physical Activity Of College Students

Published: 2023-9

Journal: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000982116.60339.f7

Abstract

C-29 New Insights from Studies of Health Promotion and Intervention Strategies Effect Of A Motivational Coaching Intervention On Exercise Motivation And Physical Activity Of College Students Taylor, Susannah W.1; Martin, Joel R.2; Powell, Marvin G.2; Werner, Timothy J. FACSM1 Author Information 1Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD. 2George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. (Sponsor: Timothy Werner, FACSM) Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 55(9S):p 258, September 2023. | DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000982116.60339.f7 Free Metrics Consistent physical inactivity in the college student population is linked to an increased risk for chronic health conditions. Exploring influential factors and interventions associated with PA of this population is pertinent in increasing engagement and adherence. **PURPOSE:** To examine the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) on anthropometric measures, PA, and exercise motivation during an 8-week intervention. **METHODS:** Nine students at a U.S. public university responded to a questionnaire fall 2021 and completed anthropometric measurements at 3 different time points: pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. The intervention consisted of 3 exercise days per week for approximately 30 minutes. The questionnaire consisted of validated survey instruments regarding PA levels, feelings toward PA, motivation, exercise self-efficacy, and general lifestyle behaviors. Repeated measures ANOVAs examined the differences from each time point for each variable. **RESULTS:** There was a significant increase in the motivation to exercise to spend time with friends from pre-evaluation to post-evaluation (p = 0.01) with a strong effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.05). There was a significant improvement in the motivation to become more agile from pre-evaluation to post-evaluation (p = 0.01) as well as from pre-evaluation to mid-point evaluation (p = 0.004) with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 1.33, Cohen’s d = 1.17 respectively). There was a significant improvement in the motivation to exercise to recover from illness or injury from pre-evaluation to post-evaluation (p = 0.02) with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.96) and from pre-evaluation to mid-point evaluation (p = 0.04) a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.74). No significant differences were found for any other variables. **CONCLUSION:** Our findings support motivational interviewing as effective in improving exercise motivation. **Table 1 - Participant Demographics** Variable | Response | % Subjects/M(SD) --- | --- | --- Sex | Male (n = 2) | 22.22% | Female (n = 7) | 77.78% Class Year | Freshman (n = 5) | 55.56% | Sophomore (n = 2) | 22.22% | Junior (n = 2) | 22.22% Race | NH White (n = 5) | 55.56% | NH Black (n = 2) | 22.22% | Asian American (n = 1) | 11.11% | Other (n = 1) | 11.11% Age | 21.22 (7.84) GPA | 3.52 (0.26) N = 9. Abbreviations: M, mean; SD, standard deviation, NH, non-Hispanic. Copyright © 2023 by the American College of Sports Medicine. View full article text.

Faculty Members

  • Joel R. Martin - George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. (Sponsor: Timothy Werner, FACSM)
  • Marvin G. Powell - George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. (Sponsor: Timothy Werner, FACSM)
  • Susannah W. Taylor - Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD.
  • Timothy J. Werner - Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD.

Themes

  • Intervention Strategies
  • Motivational Coaching
  • Exercise Motivation
  • College Student Health
  • Physical Activity
  • Health Promotion

Categories

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