Behavioral Intervention Strategy
Actions Speak Loader Than Words When Motivating The Chronically Ill
Aug 4, 2008
Would the suggestion from your health care provider to become physically active, if you suffer with a chronic condition, motivate you to get up and go? Apparently not, says Vicki Conn, professor and associate dean of research in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing. Patients with chronic illnesses didn’t seem to be fazed by suggestions from their doctors to increase their activity level.
Cognitive intervention
The approaches used most commonly by health care providers, cognitive intervention, attempts to change patient’s beliefs, attitudes or knowledge about the benefits of exercise. However this didn’t elevate compliance rates among the chronically ill. Telling patients that exercise will help their condition or that it promotes health just wasn’t enough to motivate them to change.
Behavioral intervention
Researchers found that although attempting to alter patient habits using cognitive methods had little effect, a strategy utilizing gradual behavioral changes was much more effective. When patients were given simple tasks centered on physical activity they were much more inclined to comply, begin and maintain a fitness regimen. Tasks included feedback, goal setting, self-monitoring, and stimulus or cues. According to Conn, when patients had to keep track of their activities they developed more awareness and motivation to continue.
Patients were assigned simple manageable goals such as walking for 20 minutes three times per week. They were then asked to track their activity as they progressed. Using journals or calendars to set appointments and keeping workout gear in sight helped to build physical activity into their daily routine. Patients were also advised to reward themselves. This helped to develop a sense of accomplishment.
The facts
After analyzing the data from 163 studies conducted on 22,527 chronically ill patients with various health conditions, something that had not been done previously, Conn concluded behavioral intervention is superior to cognitive attempts at intervention. On average, the behavioral intervention increased their activity level by 48 minutes per week. This may not seem like much, but it is a stepping-stone toward better health. Additionally the effects were similar regardless of gender, age, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
Conclusion
Although this research was conducted on patients with chronic illnesses, fitness experts agree incremental steps are advantageous when attempting to incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle. Start slowly, steadily, set realistic goals and reward yourself as you accomplish each one. Fitness is a lifestyle and it will require patience and persistent.
“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” -Peter Marshall-
Source: University of Missouri-Columbia (2008, July 27). Making Patients Move Requires The Right Exercise Advice.
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