Comparing self-regulatory and automatic processes in a computer-tailored physical activity intervention in frontline healthcare professionals

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to develop and test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a theory-based tailored intervention to increase physical activity and quality of life, and reduce stress and absenteeism in healthcare professionals. The study compares the unique and interactive effects of two sets of behaviour-change techniques: intentional self-regulatory processes as compared with habit development. Methods: Participants are midwives, nurses and patients’ assistants (N=364) recruited from hospitals in Western Australia. They are randomised to one of the four conditions: self-regulation, habit, self-regulation and habit combined, and control. All groups received basic online information on physical activity with intervention groups receiving tailored behaviour-change messages with supporting text messages relevant to each condition. Intervention effectiveness was tested on physical activity measured by accelerometers, quality of life, stress, anxiety, sleep, and absenteeism assessed at 3 and 6 months controlling for baseline. Expected results: We expect greater post-intervention physical activity participation for participants in all intervention groups relative to the control group while adjusting for baseline, with similar adaptive patterns on other outcomes. We also expect participants in the combined self-regulation and habit condition to have greater physical activity participation and adaptive patterns on other outcomes relative to conditions with each of the techniques alone. Current stage of work: Data collection. Discussion: This is the first study to develop and test a tailored online intervention to increase physical activity in healthcare professionals. Results are expected to provide evidence base assessing the effectiveness of self-regulatory and habit-forming strategies in promoting physical activity.