Exploring boundary conditions of physical activity maintenance: A secondary analysis of time-series data from a weight-loss intervention.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

A key concept in health psychology is behavioral maintenance. However, previous research has struggled to establish shared conceptualizations and operational definitions. This study aimed to contribute to this debate by examining whether a simple conceptual proposition of physical activity maintenance as 'the performance of physical activity according to an intended target threshold over a specific period of observation' can be empirically supported, and under which boundary conditions. Specifically, we explored different formulations of two boundary conditions: activity threshold and timescale of change.

Methods

We analyzed 350 time series (length = 182 days) of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) collected daily with Fitbit from participants in a weight

SUBMITTER: Baretta D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12427485 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature