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Table 1 Intervention strategies mapped to theoretical constructs

From: A mobile technology intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in 2- to 4-year-old children (Mini Movers): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Strategies

Theoretical constructs

Provide parents with evidence-based guidelines for sedentary behaviour

SCT: Knowledge

Provide parents with ideas for minimising sedentary behaviour (e.g. changing activities such as drawing or painting from sitting down to standing up, setting screen time rules, removing screens from bedrooms, leading by example)

SCT: Self-efficacy

CALO-RE: Provide instruction on how to perform the behaviour

CALO-RE: Environmental restructuring

CALO-RE: Prompt identification as role model/position advocate

Provide parents with alternatives to sedentary behaviour (e.g. new activities to try, providing practical ideas for entertaining children when cooking dinner)

SCT: Knowledge

SCT: Self-efficacy

SCT: Access

CALO-RE: Provide information on where and when to perform the behaviour

CALO-RE: Provide instruction on how to perform the behaviour

Assist parents to set goals to reduce screen time and overall sitting time (e.g. to limit their child’s screen time to 30 min per day)

SCT: Goal setting

CALO-RE: Goal setting (behaviour)

Educate parents about benefits of reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing active play (e.g. detrimental effects of screen time on sleep, benefits of active play on development)

SCT: Knowledge

CALO-RE: Provide information on consequences of behaviour in general

Provide parents with a goal-checking magnet to monitor their progress with their goals

CALO-RE: Prompt self-monitoring of behaviour

Send weekly goal-check SMS

CALO-RE: Prompt review of behavioural goals

Provide parents with positive reinforcement and suggest rewards (e.g. an afternoon in the park with their child) when goals are met

CALO-RE: Prompt rewards contingent on effort or progress towards behaviour

SCT: Reinforcement

  1. SCT social cognitive theory, SMS short message service