Changing Physical Activity Behaviour 5 What you need

Changing Physical Activity Behaviour

#5

What you need to know…. Key Knowledge • Know and understand all components of the social-ecological model - Individual - Social - Environment - Physical Environment - Policy • Understand the relationship between the multiple levels of influences and physical activity Key Skills • Identify components of the socialecological model • Apply the social-ecological model to critique physical activity strategies used by government and non-government organisations to target 2 sub population groups

How do we change behaviour? Collect baseline data (pre-intervention) Implement an intervention program Change in mediators: mechanisms through which an intervention is believed to influence PA behaviour eg. increasing competence on a bike Post intervention measures of behavioural change

Physical activity promotional strategies can be classified into two major categories: ▪ Individual approaches ▪ Population approaches ▪ One or several approaches may be applied within a settingsbased approach to physical activity promotion Eg. School, Community, Workplace ▪ There are multiple levels of influence on physical activity. ▪ The most effective physical activity intervention target changes in: Individual Social Physical Environment Policy

Individual Level Population Level Print and web based media Environmental Change Counselling Policy Processes of Change Mass Media

Individual Approaches to physical activity promotion Changing individual behaviour will increase physical activity Individual approaches focus on: ▪ Biological (body’s ability) ▪ Cognitive (attitudes, thinking & awareness) ▪ Behavioural factors (things you do to change behaviour) That may influence physical activity behaviour

Print Based Media Print materials promoting activity can be in forms of: brochures, booklets, handouts Some community based programs mail out information You can get print materials from: ▪ Community-based recreational centres ▪ Health care providers ▪ Schools & workplace ▪ Advantages: does not require internet to access information, benefitting older people, those with a low SES and from non English speaking backgrounds

Web-based media Enormous potential to provide valuable information to individuals Examples: links to Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, email, text, message Interactive websites/apps Disadvantage: Do not appeal for long term basis. Lose novelty value

Counselling Technique proved to be a very effective method for promoting physical activity at an individual level. Can be provided by: GP’s, Osteopaths, physio’s, PE teachers, Fitness instructors or psychologists 3 Types of Counselling 1. Health professional 2. Telephone or email / online counselling 3. Automated phone or online-delivered counselling (text messages, email etc. )

Health Professional Counselling Verbal advice, written materials, activity diaries, calendars, informational DVDs or videos etc What is a GREEN SCRIPT? ? ? Unfortunately many GPs do not take time to discuss with patients their activity levels. Green scripts are very effective in changing behaviour.

Telephone and automated telephonedelivered advice Used as a follow up to GP counselling or an approach on its own Computer systems can be programmed to call people automatically delivering advice about PA. Voice prompts are used –eg. If you were physically active yesterday press 1 for yes and 2 for no Some people find it easier to use telephone counselling rather than having to talk to a real person Good to target people in remote areas, inexpensive, don’t rely on reading skills and also good for older people who are not familiar with web-based technologies Advantage – don’t rely on reading skills

Strategies in counselling - 8 STEPS 1. Assessing motivational readiness – once motivational readiness is established strategies can be set in place 2. Matching processes of change with motivational readiness - 3. Using page’s 48 & 49 complete the Data Analysis: Process of Change Questionnaire and answer the corresponding questions. Familiarise yourself with table 2. 2 page 45 of your textbook Identifying opportunities to be active – need to know how often you move

Counselling Continued. . . 4. Contracting – write down commitment and get someone to sign it. Rewards? ? ? ? 5. Enlisting social support 6. Reminder system – if you have not been active for at least 6 months 7. Gradual Programming – same as progressive overload --Workload, Frequency, Intensity 8. Tailoring – activity plan tailored to individual needs

Population based approaches to physical activity promotion

Environmental strategies & tailoring Physical activity programs should be tailored to settings: For example: bicycle racks Removing impediments e. g. lake with no lights Introducing new resources and facilities – provide resources that facilitate activity e. g. installing showers in a workplace Educational Programs – environmental interventions should precede educational programs Familiarise yourself with Table 2. 5 on page 53 of your textbook

TASK: Go for a walk around GSC and identify where environmental factors have been modified to promote PA Identify areas where modifications could be made to the environment to promote PA NOTE: Environmental change is more effective when supported by educational program

Policy Policies are laws, regulations, formal rules Define legislation and organisational policies What policy does GSC have in place that may enhance or limit opportunities to be PA Enhancing Physical Activity Limiting Physical Activity

Mass Media Goal of mass media interventions is to reach groups and individuals using a medium than face to face contact. Television and radio advertisements Billboards, posters, commercials at cinemas Print media in magazines and newspapers Web-based interactive information Benefit: potential to reach large numbers of people at a lower cost person.

Mass Media Cont. . What are the roles of mass media? ? ? Types of mass media

Mass media & local programs Mass media is not sufficient on its own and needs to be used in conjunction with local community programs Mass media should be tailored to population groups & matched to peoples motivational reediness