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Buechner BM, Traylor MK, Feldman RI, Overstreet KF, Hill BD, Keller JL. Examining Relationships between Cognitive Flexibility, Exercise Perceptions, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2276-2289. [PMID: 37887162 PMCID: PMC10606434 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13100161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adults do not engage in enough physical activity. Investigating cognitive and physiological factors related to improving this behavior-and reducing health risks-remains a public health priority. Our objective was to assess whether cognitive flexibility influenced perceptions and choice of exercise programs and whether flexibility was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Independent sample groups of college-aged adults (18-24 yrs) participated in two studies. Data were collected on individuals' degree of cognitive flexibility (both self-reported and objectively measured), perceptions and choice of exercise programs, and health status markers known to be associated with CVD (vascular function, muscular strength, and body composition). Vascular function was assessed with a near-infrared spectroscopy device, strength was defined as handgrip, and body composition was estimated via digital circumferences. Self-reported flexibility reliably predicted individuals' choice of exercise program and perceptions of effort required for success on an exercise program. The relationships among CVD risk factors and objectively measured cognitive flexibility were not significant, demonstrating that identifying a healthy individual's degree of performance-based cognitive flexibility does not predict health status. Furthermore, although greater self-reported trait flexibility (rigidity) is known to predict higher (lower) likelihood of physical activity, this finding should not be extrapolated to also assume that flexibility (rigidity), as measured by objective cognitive tests, is associated with reduced CVD risk in healthy adults. We posit a rationale for how understanding cognitive flexibility and rigidity can play an impactful role in improving adherence to exercise prescriptions targeted to reducing risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan M. Buechner
- Williams College of Business, Xavier University, 3718 Francis Xavier Way, Cincinnati, OH 45207, USA
| | - Miranda K. Traylor
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, 171 Student Services Dr, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (M.K.T.)
| | - Rachel I. Feldman
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, 171 Student Services Dr, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (M.K.T.)
| | - Kaitlyn F. Overstreet
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, 171 Student Services Dr, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (M.K.T.)
| | - Benjamin D. Hill
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Alabama, Humanities Room 118, Mobile, AL 36688, USA;
| | - Joshua L. Keller
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, 171 Student Services Dr, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (M.K.T.)
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Gürdere C, Strobach T, Pastore M, Pfeffer I. Do executive functions predict physical activity behavior? A meta-analysis. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:33. [PMID: 36732818 PMCID: PMC9893561 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive functions (EFs) are important determinants of health behaviors. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between EFs and physical activity (PA) behavior. METHODS Systematic searches were carried out in PsycInfo, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus databases throughout April 2021. Prospective empirical studies conducted with general healthy populations across the lifespan, which reported the relationship between baseline EFs and later PA behavior were selected. RESULTS Eight studies were found eligible. Results of the multilevel meta-analysis revealed a small but significant total effect size for EFs on PA behavior of z = 0.12. High heterogeneity was observed among studies. When potential moderators were tested, residual heterogeneity remained significant and the effects of the moderators were not significant. The effect size dropped when accounted for publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations, the study provided evidence for EFs' determinant role on PA behavior. More research is however encouraged to inform PA promotion programs that are well-prepared for individual differences in EFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Gürdere
- grid.18376.3b0000 0001 0723 2427Department of Psychology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tilo Strobach
- grid.461732.5Institute of Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (ICAN), Medical School Hamburg, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Pastore
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ines Pfeffer
- grid.461732.5Institute of Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (ICAN), Medical School Hamburg, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
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Segar M. It's Time to Unhabit and Think Critically About Whether Habit Formation Has Been Over Valued as a Behavior Change Strategy Within Health Promotion. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:1418-1420. [PMID: 36305500 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221125326f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Johnson SS. Knowing Well, Being Well: well-being born of understanding: Editor’s Desk: It’s Critical to Cultivate Intellectual Humility. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:1399-1420. [DOI: 10.1177/08901171221125326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Santos Monteiro P, Ribeiro OR, Ribeiro F. The role of cognitive flexibility in weight loss after severe obesity surgery-A retrospective study. Clin Obes 2022; 12:e12494. [PMID: 34825491 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility (CF) is a fundamental skill for behavioural regulation and adaptation during the weight-loss process. Research suggests that bariatric surgery (BS) candidates underperform consistently in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), which is a neuropsychological instrument that measures this ability. The current study explored the predictive value of preoperative performance in WCST CF dimensions alongside relevant psychological factors on weight loss after BS. The sample comprised 100 female patients who underwent BS in a public hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. We collected data using the WCST, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and the Binge Eating Scale (BES). Multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were performed to obtain explanatory models of total weight loss at 12- and 24-postoperative months (TWL1 and TWL2 , respectively). MLR identified the number of preservative responses as a highly significant predictor of TWL1 (p < 0.01), and the SCL-90-R obsession-compulsion and anxiety indices as highly significant predictors of TWL1 and TWL2 (p < 0.01). The number of preservative responses was a relevant predictor of weight loss at 12 months. Persisting in maladaptive cognitive strategies was associated with a lesser weight loss during the important period after BS that requires the adoption new lifestyle habits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Filipa Ribeiro
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Pfeffer I, Strobach T. Predicting Physical Activity Behavior by Automatic and Reflective Self-Regulatory Processes. Front Psychol 2021; 12:714608. [PMID: 34744874 PMCID: PMC8566910 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.714608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the interaction of automatic (i.e., automatic affective evaluations) and reflective [i.e., reflective intention and executive functions (EFs)] processes on physical activity (PA) behavior based on dual-process theories. We expected main effects as well as significant interaction effects between automatic associations, intention, and EFs on behavior. In particular, a well-controlled implicit-association-test (IAT) was applied to assess automatic affective evaluation. A prospective study with two points of measurement (N=212 students) was conducted. At t1, age, sex, PA behavior (control variables), automatic associations, EFs (shifting, updating, inhibition), and PA intention (predictors and moderators) were assessed with standardized questionnaires and tests. At t2 (4weeks later), PA behavior (dependent variable) was measured with a standardized questionnaire. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis including two- and three-way interactions between IAT results, intention, and EFs on PA behavior was conducted. Results showed that the interactions Intention x Shifting and IAT x Intention x Inhibition were significant. Moderation analyses revealed that participants with higher intentions and lower inhibition values (improved inhibition abilities) showed a negative association between IAT and PA, while those with lower intentions and lower inhibition values showed a positive association between IAT and PA, which was documented in a significant slope difference test between these two groups. Thus, both automatic and reflective processes contribute and interact in predicting PA. As well as fostering more positive affective evaluations towards PA, interventions to strengthen PA intentions and to improve EFs could help to increase PA behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Pfeffer
- Department of Pedagogy, Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tilo Strobach
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Influence of a Planning Intervention on Physical Activity Behavior: the Moderating Role of Intentions and Executive Functions in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Behav Med 2020; 27:506-519. [PMID: 32077050 PMCID: PMC8009798 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-020-09864-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Planning and executive functions (EFs; inhibition, updating, shifting) are self-regulatory variables that help people to become and stay physically active. The aim of this study was to examine how and for whom a planning intervention affects physical activity (PA) behavior in the short term. Therefore, the mediating role of planning and the moderating role of intentions and EFs for the planning–behavior link were examined. Method In a randomized control trial with two treatment groups (planning group vs. control group) and two points of measurement (t1 and t2, 1 week apart), n = 200 students participated in both measurements. At t1, participants filled in standardized questionnaires assessing PA behavior, intention, and planning. Computer-based tests assessed the following EFs: inhibition, updating, and shifting. At t2, planning and PA behavior were measured again. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted. Results A significant increase in PA between t1 and t2 was found for the planning group compared with the control group. Furthermore, planning cognitions significantly mediated the effect of the planning group on behavior and intention, as well as the EF updating moderated the association between planning and behavior. Forming plans was particularly beneficial for participants with high intentions and lower updating performance. Conclusion Planning enhances PA behavior, particularly when PA intention is high. Poor performance in updating can be compensated by planning since encouraging people to generate plans might facilitate automatic enactment of the behavior.
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Segar ML, Marques MM, Palmeira AL, Okely AD. Everything counts in sending the right message: science-based messaging implications from the 2020 WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:135. [PMID: 33148305 PMCID: PMC7643438 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-01048-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) released the 2020 global guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The new guidelines contain a significant change from the 2010 guidelines on physical activity for adults and older adults that has important implications for next-generation physical activity messaging: The removal of the need for aerobic activity to occur in bouts of at least 10 min duration. This change in the guidelines provides an opportunity to communicate in new ways that align with behavioural science, permitting physical activity communicators and promoters to better support people's psychological needs, motivation, and ability to fit healthy levels of physical activity into their lives. The frames and messages we use to communicate about the guidelines matter because they influence whether activity is perceived as relevant, meaningful, and feasible - or not. When developing new physical activity communications there are some overarching principles, based on behavioural science, to keep in mind. Using established theory, this commentary aims to support the creation of more strategic frames and messages for increasing the value and integration of physical activity into daily living. Country-specific physical activity campaigns using these ideas will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Segar
- The Sport, Health, and Activity Research and Policy Center, University of Michigan, 204. S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Marta M Marques
- ADAPT SFI Research Centre and Trinity Centre for Practice & Health Care Innovation, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antonio L Palmeira
- CIDEFES, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande, 1740-024, Lisboa, Portugal
- Portugal & CIPER-FMH, Universidade Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anthony D Okely
- Early Start, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Lakerveld J, Palmeira AL, van Duinkerken E, Whitelock V, Peyrot M, Nouwen A. Motivation: key to a healthy lifestyle in people with diabetes? Current and emerging knowledge and applications. Diabet Med 2020; 37:464-472. [PMID: 31916283 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Motivation to take up and maintain a healthy lifestyle is key to diabetes prevention and management. Motivations are driven by factors on the psychological, biological and environmental levels, which have each been studied extensively in various lines of research over the past 25 years. Here, we analyse and reflect on current and emerging knowledge on motivation in relation to lifestyle behaviours, with a focus on people with diabetes or obesity. Structured according to psychological, (neuro-)biological and broader environmental levels, we provide a scoping review of the literature and highlight frameworks used to structure motivational concepts. Results are then put in perspective of applicability in (clinical) practice. RESULTS Over the past 25 years, research focusing on motivation has grown exponentially. Social-cognitive and self-determination theories have driven research on the key motivational concepts 'self-efficacy' and 'self-determination'. Neuro-cognitive research has provided insights in the processes that are involved across various layers of a complex cortical network of motivation, reward and cognitive control. On an environmental - more upstream - level, motivations are influenced by characteristics in the built, social, economic and policy environments at various scales, which have provided entry points for environmental approaches influencing behaviour. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence shows that motivation is strongly related to a person's self-efficacy and capability to initiate and maintain healthy choices, and to a health climate that supports autonomous choices. Some approaches targeting motivations have been shown to be promising, but more research is warranted to sustainably reduce the burden of diabetes in individuals and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lakerveld
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Vrije Universteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A L Palmeira
- CIPER-PANO/SR/Faculty of Human Movement, University of Lisbon & University Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - E van Duinkerken
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Vrije Universteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Diabetes Centre/Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Vrije Universteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Epilepsy, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - V Whitelock
- Department of Psychology, Middlesex University, London, UK
- Cancer Intelligence, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - M Peyrot
- Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Western Norway University for Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - A Nouwen
- Department of Psychology, Middlesex University, London, UK
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Maternal executive function and the family food environment. Appetite 2019; 137:21-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Dai H, Mei Z, An A, Wu J. Association between sleep problems and health-related quality of life in Canadian adults with chronic diseases. Sleep Med 2019; 61:26-30. [PMID: 31255481 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the association between sleep problems and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Canadian adults with chronic diseases, and whether mental illness can mediate the association. METHODS Data were drawn from the Canadian Community Health Survey, 2015. A total of 10,900 participants aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with chronic diseases were enrolled in this study. RESULTS Of these participants, 23.6% (95% CI 22.1, 25.2) suffered from severe impairment of HRQoL. Extreme sleep durations, including both short (<5, 5 to <6, and 6 to <7 h) and long (9 to <10, and ≥10 h) sleep durations, were significantly associated with severe impairment of HRQoL (compared to 7 to <8 h). Insomnia was also independently associated with severe impairment of HRQoL when compared to those without insomnia. In the mediation analyses, mental illness was shown to partly mediate the associations of extreme sleep durations and insomnia with severe impairment of HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, both extreme sleep durations and insomnia were independently associated with severe impairment of HRQoL in adults with chronic diseases, and mental illness partly mediated the association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijiang Dai
- Centre for Disease Modelling, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Zhen Mei
- Manifold Data Mining, Toronto, M3B 3J5, Canada
| | - Aijun An
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Centre for Disease Modelling, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, Canada.
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Dohle S, Diel K, Hofmann W. Executive functions and the self-regulation of eating behavior: A review. Appetite 2018; 124:4-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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