Date of Award
2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Program
Kinesiology
Supervisor
Dr. Harry Prapavessis
Abstract
The objective of the dissertation was to increase physical activity (PA) behaviour
in relatives of colon cancer patients. Study 1 explored whether factual colon cancer information grounded in Protection Motivation Theory is a source of exercise motivation for relatives of colon cancer patients. Study 2 examined over a 12-week structured exercise program the effect of an: (a) efficacy intervention on task and self-regulatory (i.e., barrier, scheduling, goal-setting, relapse prevention) efficacy, (b) efficacy intervention on objectively measured exercise adherence (i.e.,frequency, intensity, duration, dropout); and (c) whether task and self-regulatory efficacy predicted exercise adherence. Finally, Study 3 examined during a 9-month home-based PA program the effect of an: (a) efficacy intervention on task and self-regulatory efficacy, (b) efficacy intervention on objective PA (i.e., activity energy expenditure-AEE, sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous activity); and (c) whether task and self-regulatory efficacy predicted objectively measured PA.
Study 1 demonstrated that colon cancer information is a meaningful source of exercise motivation for relatives of colon cancer patients. Following the DVD the intervention group believed that they were more vulnerable to developing colon cancer and that they had greater coping resources. Additionally, following the DVD the intervention group also scored higher on their intentions to exercise (M= 6.57; SE=.06) compared to the attention control group (M= 6.55; SE=.06). Finally, results demonstrated that coping appraisal predicted exercise intention at baseline and following the DVD.
Study 2 demonstrated that the groups did not differ on their reported efficacy beliefs throughout the 12-week structured exercise program. Additionally, the efficacy
intervention group exercised for longer duration early on (i.e., 0-4 weeks; p < .01;
r|2=.07) compared to the attention control group; however no differences emerged for frequency and intensity. Differential loss favouring the efficacy intervention group was
demonstrated at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Self-efficacious beliefs were associated with dose measures of adherence. Scheduling efficacy was the strongest predictor offrequency, while task efficacy significantly predicted duration and intensity.
Finally, Study 3 showed that the groups did not differ on their efficacy beliefs throughout the 9-month home-based PA program. Although not statistically significant, results indicated that the efficacy intervention group exhibited higher AEE and less sedentary behaviour compared to the attention control group. Finally, regression analyses revealed that task and self-regulatory efficacy variable(s) predicted objectively measured PA behaviour.
Recommended Citation
McGowan, Erin L., "INCREASING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEHAVIOUR IN FIRST- AND SECOND- DEGREE RELATIVES OF COLON CANCER PATIENTS: A MATTER OF SELF REGULATION" (2009). Digitized Theses. 4317.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4317