Physical activity preferences and type 2 diabetes: exploring demographic, cognitive, and behavioral differences.
The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity counseling and program preferences in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the objectives were to determine physical activity preferences (objective 1), and whether there were any significant differences between age and/or sex groups for these preferences (objective 1a). A subsidiary objective was to explore potential associations of key social-cognitive constructs (ie, self-efficacy and social support) with physical activity preferences (objective 2).



This exploratory study consisted of a quantitative, secondary analysis of survey data from a national sample of adults with type 2 diabetes (N = 244). A qualitative follow-up employing telephone interviews was conducted with 14 individuals.



Consistent with hypotheses, walking was the most preferred physical activity behavior and there was a preference for engaging in physical activity with others. There were significant (P values < .05) differences in counseling and program preferences between demographic (age and sex), and physical activity cognitive scores. For example, a significantly (P < .05) higher physical activity intensity preference was found in men and younger participants.



Tailoring interventions and physical activity programs to the specific preferences of individuals is an important component for health professionals and researchers in facilitating this behavior.
Forbes
Cynthia C
CC
The Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Ms Forbes, Dr Plotnikoff)
Plotnikoff
Ronald C
RC
The Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Ms Forbes, Dr Plotnikoff)|The School of Education, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia (Dr Plotnikoff)|The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Dr Plotnikoff, Dr Courneya, Dr Boulé)
Courneya
Kerry S
KS
The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Dr Plotnikoff, Dr Courneya, Dr Boulé)
Boulé
Normand G
NG
The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Dr Plotnikoff, Dr Courneya, Dr Boulé)
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003071:Cognition; D003376:Counseling; D003710:Demography; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004522:Educational Status; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013689:Telephone; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology