The Impact Of Physical Activity Variety On Physical Activity Participation

PURPOSE: Research indicates variety (i.e., multiple types of activities) may be effective for increasing physical activity; however, more information is needed on variety’s impact on motivation. This study examined the effect of a home-based physical activity variety intervention on physical activity participation and psychosocial variables in an eight-week randomized intervention trial. METHODS: Participants (n = 43; mean age, 19.9 +/- 1.9; 75% female) were low-active, 18-25-year-old college students randomized to participate in the physical activity variety intervention or the comparison control condition. Both groups received a website containing workout videos (14 for variety; one video for consistency) and written outlines for each video, while also receiving weekly individual counseling sessions. RESULTS: Preliminary findings indicated that participants in the variety condition reported significantly higher exercise self-efficacy (p = 0.039) and extrinsic motivation (p = 0.001). The variety condition also reported marginally higher intrinsic motivation (p = 0.069) and moderate intensity physical activity (p = 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that incorporating variety into physical activity may lead to increased self-efficacy, motivation, and physical activity among college-age individuals. Given that variety can be introduced to physical activity in multiple ways, future studies should examine how a variety of different activities (e.g., cycling, tennis, group fitness classes) influence motivation and physical activity.