Understanding physical activity in individuals with prediabetes: an application of social cognitive theory

Abstract

Despite well-documented evidence implicating physical activity (PA) in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, the overwhelming majority of individuals with prediabetes are not physically active enough. The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of the social cognitive theory (SCT) in understanding PA behaviour in individuals with prediabetes. Individuals with prediabetes (N = 232) completed a mailed questionnaire assessing demographics, self-reported PA (MET.min/wk) and SCT constructs for PA MET.min/wk. For PA MET.min/wk, scheduling and task efficacy both had significant effects on PA (β = .30 and .22, respectively). Goal formation also had a direct effect on PA for scheduling, coping and task efficacy (β = .20, .34 and .30, respectively). Task, coping and scheduling efficacy explained a significant portion of the variance in PA behaviour. Overall, SCT appears to have merit as a model for understanding PA in individuals with prediabetes. Further evaluative inquiry is needed to establish support for the use of the SCT as a framework for developing, implementing and evaluating PA behaviour change interventions in this population.

Keywords:

• social cognitive theory
• prediabetes
• physical activity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

RCP was supported by a Salary Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). KDR was supported by Salary Awards from CIHR, AHFMR and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. JV was supported by a Population Health Investigator Award from Alberta Innovates and a CIHR New Investigator Award. AMS was supported by research funding from CIHR and held at University of Alberta/Alberta Health Services Chair in Obesity Research and Management.