The Feasibility of an Active Lifestyle Intervention in People With Bowel Polyps: a Self-Determination Approach

Abstract

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) has been used successfully as a model for health behaviour change in weight loss programs. However, the effectiveness of SDT for promoting physical activity (PA) behaviour change in an elderly population at elevated risk of colon cancer is unknown. This study investigated the feasibility of implementing an SDT approach in this population and provides preliminary evidence of its efficacy for modifying motivational regulation. Methods: Patients (n=27) with bowel polyps were randomised to a usual care (UC) (n=12) or an active lifestyle group (AL) (=-15) in a 6-month randomised-controlled feasibility study. Motivational regulation was the main outcome assessed at 3 time-points. Other measures included body composition, PA, and fitness. Results: Significant changes between the groups were seen in amotivation (P<.05), identified (P<.05), intrinsic regulation (P<.01) and relative autonomy index (P<.01) at 6-months in favour for the AL group. Total leisure time activity was higher in AL at 6 months compared to UC (P<.05). Discussion: The findings suggest that SDT could be an effective strategy for promoting long-term PA behaviour change in this population. A larger randomised controlled trial is needed to further explore the utility of SDT in this context.