Changes in Physical Activity and Psychological Variables Following a Web-Based Motivational Interviewing Intervention: Pilot Study

Background: Web-based interventions for enhancing physical activity participation are in demand for application in health care settings. Recent research suggests Web-based interventions that are based on motivational interviewing are effective to increase physical activity. It is unclear whether motivational interviewing can influence targeted psychological variables such as perceived readiness, willingness, and ability to participate in physical activity. Objective: The aims of this study were to determine whether there were changes in physical activity and psychological variables associated with readiness, willingness, and perceived ability to participate in physical activity following completion of a novel Web-based intervention. The goal of the motivational interviewing-based intervention was to increase physical activity. Methods: Twenty-three underactive or inactive urban dwelling adults were recruited at a medical office for participation in a 4-session Web-based intervention lasting approximately 15 minutes per week. Sessions were based on principles of motivational interviewing. Assessment of physical activity was conducted using pedometers immediately prior to intervention participation (pre) and immediately post intervention (post1). Self-report assessments of physical activity and psychological variables were conducted using online surveys at pre, post1, and again at one month following intervention participation (post2). Results: Comparisons of pre and post1 pedometer recordings revealed significant increases in steps per day (t(22) = 2.09, P= .049). There were also significant changes in total physical activity energy expenditure per week (chi(2)(2) = 8.4, P = .02) and in moderate intensity physical activity energy expenditure per week (chi(2)(2) = 13.9, P < .001) over time following participation in the Web-based intervention. Significant changes in psychological variables following participation in the Web-based intervention included: (1) change in stage classification over time (chi(2)(2) = 21.5, P < .001), where the percentage of participants classified in the action or maintenance stages of change in physical activity increased over time (pre = 25% [6/24], post1 = 71% [17/24], post2 = 68% [15/22]); (2) decreases in self-reported decisional balance cons (F-2,F-42 = 12.76, P < .001); (3) increases in self-reported decisional balance pros (F-2,F-42 = 16.19, P < .001); (4) increases in physical activity enjoyment (F-2,F-20 = 3.85, P = .04); and (5) increases in self-efficacy (F-2,F-42 = 3.30, P = .047). Conclusions: The Web-based intervention piloted in this study shows preliminary promise as a tool to promote physical activity in health care settings. Additional research is needed to test the effectiveness of motivational interviewing compared to a control condition and to refine content by considering mediation by psychological variables in a larger sample.