“Motivation gets you started, habit keeps you goingâ€: Feasibility of a habit-based physical activity intervention

Abstract

Background: Habit formation is a proposed mechanism for behaviour maintenance. However, very few studies have adopted this framework for interventions. We tested feasibility for a theory-based behaviour change intervention encouraging women to embed exercise into daily life routines. Methods: The EASY LiFE study recruited 13 women who completed performance-based (Short-Physical-Performance-Battery) and psychological self-report measures (intention, self-efficacy, planning, action control, habit strength, quality of life) at baseline and four-months follow-up. The intervention include 7 group sessions and 2 phone calls. We conducted t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests to evaluate changes over time, and the Framework-Method to post-intervention interviews to evaluate program content, delivery and acceptability. Findings: In total, 10 women completed the program and showed significant changes in their level of action control (d=-1.2), action planning (d=-0.7), habit strength (d=-1.1), and quality of life (d=-0.6). Participants valued the social support of the group, the behavioural practice with an exercise professional, and ‘education’ on habit formation. Discussion: The theory-based framework showed feasibility for promoting life-style integrated balance and strength exercise habits.