Table 3 Bi-Weekly videoconferencing topics for the supervised physical activity group plus behavioral counseling (PA + BC; intervention group) and supervised physical activity group plus exercise counseling (PA + EC; attention control group)
Week& Format | Description of Behavioral Strategies (PA + BC group) | Multi-process Action Control (M-PAC) Constructs for PA + BC Group Mapped to Behavior Change TechniquesUsed in Michie et al. (2013)a | Topics for Attention Control Group (PA + EC group) |
|---|---|---|---|
2 Group | Target M-PAC construct: Reflective processes (instrumental/affective attitudes) Discuss the benefits of increasing physical activity for health and clinical outcomes, and how to make activity enjoyable | 5.1 Information about health consequences 5.2 Salience of consequences 5.3 Information about social and environmental consequences 3.3 Social support (emotional) 5.6 Information about emotional consequences 7.5 Remove aversive stimulus 12.5 Adding objects to the environment | Physical activity guidelines |
4 1:1 | Target M-PAC construct: Regulatory processes (goal setting) Setting challenging, yet achievable goals using the SMART goal guidelines and developing rewards for achieving goals | 11.1 Goal setting (behavior) 1.2 Problem solving 1.3 Goal setting (outcome) 1.8 Behavioral contract 2.3 Self-monitoring of behavior 2.6 Biofeedback 7.1 Prompt/cues 10.7 Self-incentive 11.2 Reduce negative emotions 13.4 Valued self-identity | Components of a physical activity training session |
6 1:1 | Target M-PAC construct: Regulatory processes (action planning) Action planning will be targeted by creating plans for increasing physical activity | 1.1 Goal setting (behavior) 1.2 Problem solving 1.8 Behavioral contract 2.3 Self-monitoring of behavior 2.6 Biofeedback 7.1 Prompt/cues 10.7 Self-incentive 11.2. Reduce negative emotions | Physical activity intensity (e.g., heart rate training) |
8 Group | Target M-PAC construct: Regulatory processes (self-monitoring) Discussion of how to monitor physical activity using wearables (e.g., Fitbits) and logs to keep track of progress towards goals | 1.1 Goal setting (behavior) 1.2 Problem solving 1.4 Action planning 1.8 Behavioral contract 2.3 Self-monitoring of behavior 2.6 Biofeedback 7.1 Prompt/cues 10.7 Self-incentive 11.2 Reduce negative emotions 15.4 Self-talk | Signs and symptoms for stopping physical activity |
10 Group | Target M-PAC construct: Regulatory processes (coping planning, emotion regulation) Discussing common psychologic, emotional, and environmental barriers to physical activity and strategies to overcome them | 1.1 Goal setting (behavior) 1.2 Problem solving 1.4 Action planning 1.8 Behavioral contract 2.3 Self-monitoring of behavior 2.6 Biofeedback 7.1 Prompt/cues 10.7 Self-incentive 11.2 Reduce negative emotions 15.4 Self-talk | Stretching routine |
12 1:1 | Target M-PAC construct: Regulatory processes (social support) Discussion of social support and how to obtain support from significant others (i.e., spouse, friend, siblings) | 3.2 Social support (practical) 12.1 Restructuring the physical environment 12.2 Restructuring the social environment | How to progress safely through a physical activity program |
14 Group | Target M-PAC construct: Reflexive processes (habit) Identifying environmental cues to increase physical activity such as cues paired with time of the day, place, event, or other habits | 7.1 Prompt/cues 7.5 Remove aversive stimulus 7.8 Associative learning 8.1 Behavioral practice 8.3 Habit formation | What to wear during physical activity |
16 1:1 | Target M-PAC construct: Reflexive processes (habit) Reinforcing a physical activity routine based on tagging physical activity to existing schedule and reminders strategies to reinforce the cues | 7.1 Prompt/cues 7.5 Remove aversive stimulus 7.8 Associative learning 8.1 Behavioral practice 8.3 Habit formation | Importance of hydration |
18 Group | Target M-PAC construct: Reflexive processes (identity) Building a physical activity identity by brainstorming and prioritizing various identities and where physical activity fits in | 6.2 Social comparison 8.1 Behavioral practice 8.2 Behavioral substitution 12.5 Adding objects to the environment 13.2 Framing/reframing 13.3 Incompatible beliefs 13.4 Valued self-identity 13.5 Identity associated with changed behavior | Cross training |
20 1:1 | Target M-PAC construct: Reflexive processes (identity) Continue building a physical activity identity by prioritizing physical activity and finding personal meaning in participating in physical activity | 6.2 Social comparison 8.1 Behavioral practice 8.2 Behavioral substitution 12.5 Adding objects to the environment 13.2 Framing/reframing 13.3 Incompatible beliefs 13.4 Valued self-identity 13.5 Identity associated with changed behavior | Feedback for progress to date |
22 Group | Booster session Participants are free to raise any challenges and barriers to their activity goals or to revisit previous topics discussed | Behavior change techniques will depend on session revisited | Feedback for progress to date or revisit one of the earlier topics discussed |
24 1:1 | Booster session Participants are free to raise any challenges and barriers to their activity goals or to revisit previous topics discussed | Behavior change techniques will depend on session revisited | Feedback for progress to date or revisit one of the earlier topics discussed |