Early-ACTID Lifestyle Intervention for Type ii Diabetes: Readiness to Change Associated With Increased Physical Activity

Abstract

Background: Behaviour change, prior to intervention but post diagnosis may affect engagement in lifestyle interventions. This study examines associations between stages of change, psychological factors and physical activity (PA) in Type II diabetes patients in a lifestyle intervention trial. Methods: Patients (N= 537) with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes took part in Early ACTID, a randomised controlled trial of physical activity and dietary change. Stage of change (SoC), self-efficacy, outcome expectations, social support and objective PA were measured at baseline and 6 months. Linear regression was used to determine if SoC and psychological factors predicted PA at 6 months. Findings: 58.3% patients were in the action/maintenance stage at baseline. Being at these stages at baseline and 6 months was associated with increased objectively measured PA. Only baseline stage of change predicted total PA and MVPA at 6 months (total PA: ?=0.47; P=0.000; MVPA: ?=0.49; P=0.000). Discussion: In predicting objective PA, the other psychological factors showed no association, suggesting readiness for change may override determinants previously specified as supporting self-reported PA change.