Publication:

What Behaviour Change Techniques used in Behavioural Interventions are Associated with Improvements in Physical Activity Behaviour and HbA1c in Adults wih Type 2 Diabetes? (2013)

Author(s): Avery L, Flynn D, van Wersch A, Sniehotta FF, Trenell MI

    Abstract: Aims: To explore associations between the use of theory-linked behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in behavioural interventions targeting physical activity and their potential impact on free-living physical activity and HbA1c in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: Data on 21 BCTs identified in a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomised controlled trials of behavioural interventions (n = 1,975 adults with Type 2 diabetes) targeting free-living physical activity and improvements in HbA1c were entered into exploratory moderator analyses. These analyses established associations between individual BCTs and changes in physical activity behaviour and clinically significant improvements in HbA1c (–0.3% HbA1c). Results: Eight BCTs were associated with increases in physical activity behaviour, but not improvements in HbA1c. Three BCTs were not associated with improvements in physical activity or HbA1c. Ten BCTs were associated with improvements in both physical activity and HbA1c (e.g. prompting focus on past successful attempts at changing physical activity; provision of information on the consequences of physical activity behaviour specific to the individual; and time management). Conclusions: BCTs used in behavioural interventions might exert a differential impact on physical activity and HbA1c in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The majority of the BCTs identified may be successful in increasing physical activity, but the magnitude of change was not sufficient to effectively reduce HbA1c. Further research is warranted to explicate the effectiveness of individual and combinations of BCTs for optimising the clinical utility of behavioural interventions targeting physical activity and HbA1c in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

    Notes: Special Issue of Diabetic Medicine Journal: Abstracts of the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2013 Abstract no: P312

      • Date: 13-15 March 2013
      • Conference Name: Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2013
      • Volume: 30(s1)
      • Pages: 122-122
      • Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
      • Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. abstract)
      • Bibliographic status: Published
      Staff

      Leah Avery
      Research Associate (Health Psychology)

      Professor Michael Trenell
      NIHR Senior Research Fellow & Director, MoveLab; Physical Activity & Exercise Research