title: Intention-behavior gap is wider for walking and moderate physical activity than for vigorous physical activity in university students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The theory of planned behavior proposes that physical activity is the result of intentions; however little is known about whether the relation between intentions and behavior differs between vigorous, moderate physical activity, and walking. For university students, vigorous physical activity is oftentimes enacted as a goal-directed behavior; whereas walking is oftentimes a means to achieving a goal other than physical activity (e.g., transportation).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a one-week prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Undergraduate students (N=164) reported intentions for walking, moderate physical activity, and vigorous physical activity and self-reported these behaviors one week later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that intentions were more strongly related to vigorous physical activity than to moderate physical activity or walking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intention-enhancing interventions may effectively promote vigorous physical activity, but other motivational processes may be more appropriate to target in interventions of walking and moderate physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Central Queensland University, School of Human, Health, and Social Sciences, Australia. Electronic address: a.rebar@cqu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Amanda L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Rebar
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
authors.forename: Jaclyn P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.affiliation: Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
authors.forename: Shawna E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Doerksen
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
authors.forename: Steriani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elavsky
authors.affiliation: Center for Behavior and Health - Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University, USA.
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Conroy
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D057566:Self Report; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Exercise; Motivation; Physical activity intensity; Theory of planned behavior