A randomized controlled trial to evaluate self-determination theory for exercise adherence and weight control: rationale and intervention description

• Main Authors: Matos Margarida G (Author), Santos Teresa C (Author), Coutinho Sílvia R (Author), Castro Margarida M (Author), Vieira Paulo N (Author), Minderico Cláudia S (Author), Markland David (Author), Silva Marlene N (Author), Sardinha Luís B (Author), Teixeira Pedro J (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-234; 1471-2458
• Keywords: Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: BMC Public Health, Vol 8, Iss 1, p 234 (2008)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Research on the motivational model proposed by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provides theoretically sound insights into reasons why people adopt and maintain exercise and other health behaviors, and allows for a meaningful analysis of the motivational processes involved in behavioral self-regulation. Although obesity is notoriously difficult to reverse and its recidivism is high, adopting and maintaining a physically active lifestyle is arguably the most effective strategy to counteract it in the long-term. The purposes of this study are twofold: i) to describe a 3-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at testing a novel obesity treatment program based on SDT, and ii) to present the rationale behind SDT's utility in facilitating and explaining health behavior change, especially physical activity/exercise, during obesity treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Study design, recruitment, inclusion criteria, measurements, and a detailed description of the intervention (general format, goals for the participants, intervention curriculum, and main SDT strategies) are presented. The intervention consists of a 1-year group behavioral program for overweight and moderately obese women, aged 25 to 50 (and pre-menopausal), recruited from the community at large through media advertisement. Participants in the intervention group meet weekly or bi-weekly with a multidisciplinary intervention team (30 2 h sessions in total), and go through a program covering most topics considered critical for successful weight control. These topics and especially their delivery were adapted to comply with SDT and Motivational Interviewing guidelines. Comparison group receive a general health education curriculum. After the program, all subjects are follow-up for a period of 2 years.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Results from this RCT will contribute to a better understanding of how motivational characteristics, particularly those related to physical activity/exercise behavioral self-regulation, influence treatment success, while exploring the utility of Self-Determination Theory for promoting health behavior change in the context of obesity.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p><b>Clinical Trials Gov. Identifier </b>NCT00513084</p>