Do implicit attitudes toward physical activity and sedentary behavior prospectively predict objective physical activity among persons with obesity?

This study conducted among adults with obesity examined the associations between implicit attitudes toward physical activity and sedentary behavior, and physical activity behavior measured 4 months later. At baseline, 76 participants (M _AGE = 56; M _BMI = 39.1) completed a questionnaire assessing intentions toward physical activity and sedentary behavior and two computerized Single-Category Implicit Association Tests assessing implicit attitudes toward these two behaviors. At follow-up, physical activity was measured with accelerometers. Multiple regression analysis showed that implicit attitudes toward physical activity were positively and significantly associated with physical activity when participants’ age, BMI, past physical activity and intentions were controlled for. Implicit attitudes toward sedentary behavior were not associated with physical activity. Adults with obesity who implicitly reported more favorable attitudes toward physical activity at baseline were more likely to present higher physical activity levels at follow-up. Implicit attitudes could be targeted in future research to enhance physical activity.