An Evaluation of a Home-Based Intervention, Based on the Social Cognitive Theory, to Promote Physical Activity in Adults

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Take Control intervention to promote days of physical activity among adults in a targeted neighborhood, as compared to a standard education intervention (Just Move). A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent comparison group research design was used. The Take Control intervention was based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Specifically the constructs of self-regulation, self-efficacy and social support were targeted. Participants in the Take Control intervention received at their home, a series of self-guided worksheets that were tailored to address a specific SCT construct. Both programs were a six-week, home-based intervention that was designed to increase days of moderate and vigorous activity among adults. The study revealed that both groups significantly improved days of physical activity from pretest to posttest. Of the three SCT constructs targeted, only self-regulation increased from pretest to posttest. This study adds to the body of literature. It one of the few home-based studies that implements theoretical constructs. This study also supports that a minimal contact home-based intervention can impact days of physical activity as well as self-regulation skills.