The importance of plan enactment for physical activity

Abstract

Background: Many studies have shown the importance of planning for health behaviour (change). While both interventions and models often include planning they rarely focus on the enactment of these plans. This study investigates the role of plan enactment for both preparatory and coping plans in a theoretical model (the I-Change Model). Methods: A total of 2067 participants filled in an online survey at three points in time (baseline, after 3 month, and after 6 months). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to investigate the role of plan enactment for both preparatory plans and coping plans. Findings: Structural equation modelling indicates that the effects of planning on physical activity are fully mediated by the enactment of these plans for both preparatory and coping plans. While for preparatory plans the effect of plans on enactment is the strongest, for coping plans the effect of enactment on behaviour is most determined. Discussion: The results give an indication for the importance of plan enactment with regard to physical activity. The results show that when plans are not enacted healthy behaviour is less likely to occur. The study suggests that interventions should not only target the construction of preparatory plans, but also should monitor and support the enactment of these plans, by for example sending reminders or boosters. To understand the enactment of plans better subsequent analyses will focus on the determinants of plan enactment.