Using implementation intention intervention to decrease in-class sedentary behavior among students

Abstract

Background: Sedentary behavior is a major risk factor for chronic illnesses, and college students, despite their young age, are a risk group, due to long sitting hours in lectures. The objectives of the study were to examine an implementation intentions (II) intervention focused on mild sedentary-opposing behavior during and between classes on regular academic days. Hypotheses were that the experimental II group will exhibit more sedentary-opposing activities than the control group. Methods: 80 participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control conditions. Both groups were exposed to information on sedentary behavior and the experimental group was induced to form plans for sedentary-opposing behaviors in and between classes. Both groups received daily text reminders during their school days, with each person in the experimental group receiving his/her preferred plan for sedentary-opposing activity. Two weeks following the initial intervention, participants will again report on their sitting activity during the past week. Plan of analysis: One-way ANOVA examining the II intervention. Discussion: The results could be relevant to college administrators and students alike.