Does matching a personally tailored physical activity intervention to participants' learning style improve intervention effectiveness and engagement?

J Health Psychol. 2023 Sep;28(10):889-899. doi: 10.1177/13591053221137184. Epub 2022 Nov 28.

Abstract

This study aims to compare the effectiveness, engagement, usability, and acceptability of a web-based, computer-tailored physical activity intervention (provided as video or text) between participants who were matched or mismatched to their self-reported learning style (visual and auditory delivery through video or text-based information). Generalised linear mixed models were conducted to compare time (baseline, 3 months) by group (matched, mismatched) on ActiGraph-GT3X+measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps. Generalised linear models were used to compare group (matched and mismatched) on session completion, time-on-site, usability, and acceptability. MVPA and steps improved from baseline to 3-months, however this did not differ between participants whose learning styles were matched or mismatched to the intervention they received. Session completion, time-on-site, usability, and acceptability did not differ between matched and mismatched participants. Therefore, aligning intervention delivery format to learning style is unlikely to influence intervention effectiveness or engagement.

Keywords: computer-tailoring; delivery mode; intervention; learning style; physical activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Exercise*
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Learning*