Can the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Planning Predict Increased Walking Among Stroke Survivors?

Abstract

Background: To adapt an existing intervention, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) extended to include planning, to increase walking for stroke survivors, we tested the TPB’s ability to predict intentions for, and actual, walking more in this group. We also tested if planning predicts/moderates the effect of intentions on walking Method: Longitudinal survey. At t1, 70 South London Stroke Register participants, able to walk outdoors, completed measures of walking, intentions, attitudes, subjective norms (SN), PBC and spontaneous planning for walking more. c7 days later, weekly time walked was assessed Results: SN (?=0.41, p<0.001) and PBC (?=0.38, p=0.01) significantly predicted intentions, while attitudes’ effect (?=0.20, p=0.08) was only marginally significant, R2 = 0.50. Neither intentions (OR=1.09, p=0.20), PBC (OR=0.99, p=0.99), planning (OR=0.93, p=0.33) nor the plans x intentions interaction (OR=1.02, p=0.11) significantly predicted walking more at t2 Discussion: PBC and SN are key predictors of intentions to walk more among stroke survivors and could be targeted by interventions. Interventions will also need strategies to turn this positive motivation into action