Getting active through mindfulness: Randomised controlled trial of a digital mindfulness-based intervention promoting physical activity engagement and enjoyment

Background

Physical inactivity and mental ill-health are common in university students. Physical activity (PA) interventions can improve health and wellbeing, yet resulting changes to behaviour are rarely maintained. Mindfulness training that develops psychological skills and PA cognitions may facilitate PA engagement. This preregistered trial explored the additive effects of a 30-day digital mindfulness-based intervention promoting PA engagement, compared to a simple PA intervention alone, in insufficiently active university students.

Methods

109 participants from three sites in England were randomised to receive an activity monitor and daily step goal (8000 steps/day; PA-only group), or a 30-day digital mindfulness intervention plus activity monitor/step goal (MPA group). Primary outcomes were self-reported PA and sedentary time; secondary were wellbeing, mental health, PA motivation, enjoyment and self-efficacy, and theoretical predictors of PA. Data were collected through surveys (pre- and post-intervention) and daily ecological momentary assessments.

Results

Self-reported PA doubled, and sedentary time reduced, with greater but not significant improvements in the MPA group from baseline to post-intervention (M_diffofdiff = 305 MET-min/wk; −9.5 h/wk). Psychological health outcomes were mixed. The MPA group reported stronger increases in behavioural intentions to be active vs. PA group. State mindfulness during PA increased in both groups, whereas exercise self-efficacy was unchanged.

Conclusions

Adding digital mindfulness training to a wearable-based PA intervention helped participants increase their intentions for PA, but did not produce differences in PA behaviour or sedentary time. Further research should determine if mindfulness-induced changes in PA cognitions support sustained engagement in PA over longer time periods.