Testing group dynamics with a virtual partner to increase physical activity motivation

Abstract

Purpose: The Köhler group dynamic motivation effect capitalizes on group interdependence to motivate greater effort for lower ability members (when the outcome is dependent on the weaker member). This field study applied the Köhler group dynamic in a mobile app with a software-generated partner (SGP), for the first time, to motivate adults to persist with moderate intensity exercise. This study also explored a novel application of interpersonal synchrony during a walk warm-up period to boost perceptions of interpersonal connectedness with the SGP. Methods: Community adults were randomized to one of three conditions to walk with the app in their environment of choice for 3 weeks: no-partner individual control (IC); more capable SGP; synchronous more capable SGP (syncSGP). Results: Non-statistically significant differences for mean minutes of walking favored the syncSGP over IC walkers with an effect size (d = 0.47) comparable in magnitude to other recent Köhler effect exercise lab studies using SGPs. Conclusion: Group persistence differences and trends appear to provide support for this innovative application of a physical activity group dynamics motivational tool with community adults in free-living environments.