The Impact of Different Degrees of Feedback on Physical Activity Levels: A 4-Week Intervention Study

Karen Van Hoye, Filip Boen and Johan Lefevre
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Karen Van Hoye: Department of Kinesiology, Physical Activity, Sports & Health Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
Filip Boen: Department of Kinesiology, Physical Activity, Sports & Health Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
Johan Lefevre: Department of Kinesiology, Physical Activity, Sports & Health Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium

IJERPH, 2015, vol. 12, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: Assessing levels of physical activity (PA) and providing feedback about these levels might have an effect on participant’s PA behavior. This study discusses the effect of different levels of feedback—from minimal to use of a feedback display and coach—on PA over a 4-week intervention period. PA was measured at baseline, during and immediately after the intervention. Participants ( n = 227) were randomly assigned to a Minimal Intervention Group (MIG-no feedback), Pedometer Group (PG-feedback on steps taken), Display Group (DG-feedback on steps, minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity and energy expenditure) or Coaching Group (CoachG-same as DG with need-supportive coaching). Two-way ANCOVA showed no significant Group × Time interaction effect for the different PA variables between the MIG and PG. Also no differences emerged between PG and DG. As hypothesized, CoachG had higher PA values throughout the intervention compared with DG. Self-monitoring using a pedometer resulted in more steps compared with a no-feedback condition at the start of the intervention. However, adding individualized coaching seems necessary to increase the PA level until the end of the intervention.

Keywords: physical activity assessment; motion sensors; exercise psychology; health promotion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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