Predicting physical activity among adults with visual impairments using the theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Background: Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), Haegele et al.¹ created the beliefs of individuals with visual impairments about physical activity scale (BIVIPA-1) to examine individuals with visual impairments' (VI) motivation toward physical activity (PA). The overall factorial tenability of the BIVIPA-1 remains unclear due to its item configuration.

Objective/hypothesis: The purposes of this cross-sectional study were to: (a) use confirmatory factor analysis to explore the structure of the expanded BIVIPA-2 and (b) test the predictive utility of TPB constructs on PA among adults with VI.

Methods: Adults with VI (n = 236) completed the BIVIPA-2 and a multi-item PA recall instrument. A CFA was performed on the BIVIPA-2, and structural equation modeling was used to explore the relationship between theory constructs and PA.

Results: The CFA results showed that the underlying structure of BIVIPA-2 was tenable for adults with VI based on TPB. Structural equation modeling showed limited support for the theorized predictive roles of theory variables on PA, as attitude predicted physical activity intention. Interestingly, subjective norm was a direct predictor for PA among adults with VI (β = 0.145).

Conclusions: TPB had limited predictive utility for physical activity among individuals with VI. The predictive relationship of subjective norms on PA may be somewhat unique to this population. Researchers may consider expanding the model to examine social support and subjective norms constructs and PA among individuals with VI.

Keywords: Blindness; CFA; Exercise behaviors; MVPA; Motivation.