Web-based intervention preferences and physical activity motivation of people with depressive symptoms

Physical activity is an effective method for managing depressive symptoms, and web-based interventions may be an effective tool for promoting physical activity within this population. People with depressive symptoms may experience condition-specific facilitators and barriers to be considered when developing physical activity interventions. This study provides insight into web-based physical activity intervention preferences and physical activity motivation of people with depressive symptoms. This study was part of a larger trial of a web-based physical activity intervention for people with depressive symptoms. Thematic analysis of participants’ (N = 20) written responses to open-ended survey questions was conducted. Preferences for web-based intervention features included social forums, self-monitoring, suggestions for types of physical activity in different circumstances and information targeted to people with depressive symptoms. When discussing physical activity motivation instrumental beliefs (i.e., beliefs of the benefits and cost of physical activity) and controllability (i.e., whether the behaviour is under their control) were discussed. Additionally, people reported condition-specific barriers of physical activity such as depressive symptoms of apathy, worthlessness, and pain. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of web-based physical activity interventions targeting people with depressive symptoms, which incorporates these findings.