Evaluating the utility of temporal self-regulation theory for understanding physical activity outcomes in a behavioral weight loss maintenance program

Abstract

Objective

Physical activity (PA) is critical for weight loss maintenance (WLM) success. Clarifying mechanisms behind PA engagement may suggest new WLM intervention targets. This study examined an application of temporal self-regulation theory (TST) to enhance our understanding of PA during WLM.

Methods and measures

Participants (n = 214) who achieved a ≥ 5% weight loss during a 4-month weight loss intervention were recruited into an 18-month WLM trial. TST constructs (i.e. PA beliefs, intention, behavioral prepotency, self-regulatory capacity) were measured via self-report measures. PA was subsequently assessed over a 7-day period with waist-worn Actigraph GT9X. Robust linear regression models and generalized linear mixed models tested the association between PA beliefs and intention, and the associations between intention, behavioral prepotency, self-regulatory capacity and device-measured PA at baseline and 18-months.

Results

Short-term positive beliefs were associated with intention at baseline and 18-months, whereas short-term negative beliefs were associated with intention at 18-months only. Intention was associated with moderate/vigorous PA (MVPA) minutes and bouted MVPA at baseline and 18-months. The intention by self-regulatory capacity interaction was significant at baseline.

Conclusion

Findings lend some support for the use of TST for understanding PA and suggest that short-term beliefs about PA may represent a meaningful target for intervention.

Keywords:

• Physical activity
• obesity
• temporal self-regulation theory
• behavioral intervention

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Timothy Moore, Ph.D. and the UConn Statistical Consulting services, the UConn Weight Management Lab, and study participants. We’d also like to acknowledge UNC CHAI Core funded by the UNC Nutrition Obesity Research Center through NIH Grant P30DK056350.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

At the end of this trial, data may be requested from the principal investigator (TML). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03396653.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases under Grant 5R01DK111232-04.