A1 Journal article (refereed)
Social Cognition and Socioecological Predictors of Home-Based Physical Activity Intentions, Planning, and Habits during the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)

Kaushal, N., Keith, N., Aguiñaga, S., & Hagger, M. S. (2020). Social Cognition and Socioecological Predictors of Home-Based Physical Activity Intentions, Planning, and Habits during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Behavioral Sciences, 10(9), Article 133. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs10090133

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kaushal, Navin; Keith, NiCole; Aguiñaga, Susan; Hagger, Martin S.

Journal or series: Behavioral Sciences

eISSN: 2076-328X

Publication year: 2020

Publication date: 31/08/2020

Volume: 10

Issue number: 9

Article number: 133

Publisher: MDPI AG

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/bs10090133

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71653

Abstract

‘Shelter in place’ and ‘lockdown’ orders implemented to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have reduced opportunities to be physically active. For many, the home environment emerged as the only viable option to participate in physical activity. Previous research suggests that availability of exercise equipment functions as a determinant of home-based physical activity participation among the general adult population. The purpose of this study was to use a socioecological framework to investigate how the availability of exercise equipment at home predicts behavioral decisions, namely, intention, planning, and habits with respect to participation in physical activity. Participants (n = 429) were adults recruited in U.S. states subject to lockdown orders during the pandemic who completed measures online. A structural equation model indicated that availability of cardiovascular and strength training equipment predicted physical activity planning. Social cognition constructs mediated the relationship between each type of exercise equipment and intentions. Autonomous motivation and perceived behavioral control were found to mediate the relationship between each type of exercise equipment and habit. The availability of large cardiovascular and strength training equipment demonstrated significant predictive effects with intention, planning, habit, and autonomous motivation. Facilitating these constructs for home-based physical activity interventions could be efficacious for promoting physical activity.

Keywords: physical activity; physical training; physical training equipment; home; physical environment; habits; social cognition; pandemics; COVID-19

Free keywords: physical activity; exercise equipment; home; habit; environment; pandemic; COVID-19

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1