Promoting Physical Activity Participation among Inactive University PhD Students using Educational and Implementation Intentions Interventions

Bismarck Ndupu, Lawrence and Quinn - Walker, Natalie and Barrett, Kathryn Szymanska (2025) Promoting Physical Activity Participation among Inactive University PhD Students using Educational and Implementation Intentions Interventions. Academic Journal of Health Sciences & Research. ISSN 3067-0136

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Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is prevalent among university PhD students, impacting their health and well-being. This study explores the effectiveness of combining educational and intention-based interventions to promote physical activity among inactive PhD students.
Objectives: To assess whether improving knowledge about physical activity and/or intentions to engage in physical activity increases physical activity levels among inactive PhD students.
Methods: A 4-week pre-post study design was employed, involving 67 PhD students (age 36.45± 8.58, 31 male/36 female) from a university in the East Midlands in the United Kingdom. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: education and intentions, education only, intentions only, and control. Interventions included educational materials and implementation intentions templates. Outcome measures were taken at baseline and post-intervention, assessing physical activity levels, knowledge, and intentions.
Results: Participants in the education and intentions group showed the highest increase in total physical activity levels and time spent in physical activity weekly (1067.6 ± 140.94 MET-minutes/week and 194.9± 6.76 minutes/week), followed by the intentions only (1039.0 ± 156.44 MET-minutes/week and 179.9 ± 7.50 minutes/week), education only (874.4 ± 136.73 MET-minutes/week and 174.8 ± 6.56 minutes/week), and control (483.8 ± 145.03 MET-minutes/week and131.0 ± 6.95 minutes/week) groups. No significant gender differences were found in total physical activity levels, but males spent more time in physical activity weekly. Higher knowledge about physical activity benefits and risks (Level 4 knowledge) was associated with increased physical activity engagement.
Conclusion: Combining educational and intentions-based interventions effectively increases physical activity levels among inactive PhD students. Future interventions should integrate knowledge about the risks of physical inactivity and consider gender differences in physical activity engagement.

Item Type:	Article
Dates:	Date Event 19 May 2025 Accepted 29 May 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Physical activity, PhD students, Educational Intervention, Implementation Intentions, Behavior Change, University
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-01 - health sciences (non-specific)
Divisions:	Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > College of Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Natalie Quinn-Walker
Date Deposited:	03 Jun 2025 10:38
Last Modified:	03 Jun 2025 10:38
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16404