The Impact of Physical Activity Variety on Physical Activity Participation

Abstract

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 various psychosocial factors. 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. Participants (n=47; 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 conditions 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. Findings suggest that participants in the variety condition reported marginally significant more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p<.10) over the course of the intervention relative to the consistency condition when controlling for baseline. Additionally, participants in the variety condition reported marginally significant higher psychological needs satisfaction (p<.10) at four weeks than the control. The variety intervention condition reported significantly higher perceived autonomy (p<.05) within psychological needs at four weeks, physical activity feelings of tranquility (p<0.01) at eight weeks, and physical activity self-efficacy (p<0.05) at eight weeks relative to control. There was inconsistent support for incorporating variety into physical activity, however, there was some evidence that variety may lead to increased physical activity and improved psychological responses to 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, in addition to including larger and more diverse samples.