Table 1 Description of reviewed studies

ThØgersen-Ntoumani & Ntoumanis, 2006 [52]

Cross-sectional

375 (51)

Exercisers (Mean 38.7 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ) + amotivation (AMS)

MV: IM (+) ^a, ID (+) ^a,b, INTR (+) ^a; EXT (−) ^a,b, AMOT (−) ^a

Exercise stages of change ^a; Exercise relapses (fewer) ^b

Multivariate logistic regressions, adjusting for sex and age; Manovas

Rose et al., 2005 [56]

Cross-sectional

184 (55)

Healthy adults (17–60 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: IM (+) ^a, ID (+) , INTR (+) EXT (−)

Exercise stages of change

Discriminant function analysis (IM was redundant); Manovas ^a

Ingledew et al., 2009 [79]

Cross-sectional

251 (52)

University Students (Mean 19.5 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (+),ID (+),INTR (n.s) EXT (n.s)

Self-reported exercise (measure analogous to LTEQ)

Partial Least Squares Analysis (PLS); Mediation analysis

Edmunds et al., 2006 [44]

Cross-sectional

369 (52)

Healthy individuals (Mean 31.9 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: IM (n.s.), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (−)

Self-reported exercise (total and strenuous PA; LTEQ)

Multiple regressions; Mediation analysis. No associations with mild/moderately intense PA.

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.)

Wilson et al., 2006 [85]

Cross-sectional

139 (64)

Undergraduate students (Mean 19.5 yr)

Canada

Exercise extrinsic self-regulations (BREQ) and Integrated Regulation scale (INTEG)

MV: INTEG (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis

BIV: INTEG (+), ID (n.s.), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.)

McDonough et al., 2007 [50]

Cross-sectional

558 (72)

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: RAI (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; SEM; Mediation analysis. Only RAI was tested in multivariate analysis.

BIV: RAI (+), IM (n.s.), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.)

Daley & Duda, 2006 [55]

Cross-sectional

409 (61)

Undergraduate students (19.9 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (+), ID (++), INTR (+); EXT (− M); AMOT (− F)

Exercise stages of change; Physical activity status (from inactive to active)

Discriminant function analysis

Wilson et al., 2004 [45]

Cross-sectional

276 (64)

Undergraduate students (20.5 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (n.s.); ID (+), INTR (+ F; - M), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regressions analysis

BIV: IM (+); ID (+), INTR (+ F), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (n.s.)

Markland, 2009 [9]

Cross-sectional

102 F

Healthy individuals (Mean 29.2 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (+), ID (+), AMOT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression/mediation (Preacher & Hayes): INTR and EXT not analyzed.

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (−)

Ingledew & Markland, 2008 [46]

Cross-sectional

252 (48)

Office workers (Mean 40 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (n.s.), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (−)

Self-reported exercise (measure analogous to LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; SEM

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (−)

Peddle et al., 2008 [43]

Cross-sectional

413 (46)

Colorectal cancer survivors (Mean 60 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (n.s.), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Path analysis

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (−)

Landry & Solmon, 2004 [86]

Cross-sectional

105 F

African-American (Mean 56 yr)

USA

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (−), EXT (n.s.)

Exercise stages of change; exercise categories

Anovas; Discriminant function analysis

BIV: RAI (+); IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.)

Milne et al., 2008 [87]

Cross-sectional

558 F

Breast cancer survivors (Mean 59 yr)

Australia

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ); exercise categories (meeting vs. not meeting guidelines)

Anovas; Hierarchical regression analysis

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (−), AMOT (−)

Mullan & Markland, 1997 [57]

Cross-sectional

314 (49.7)

Healthy individuals (Mean 35–40 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.)

Exercise stages of change

Anova (RAI was analyzed); Discriminant function analysis;

BIV: RAI (+)

Lewis & Sutton, 2011 [48]

Cross-sectional

100 (50)

95% undergraduates, members of a university gym; age not specified

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (+); ID (n.s.), INTR (n.s.), EXT (−), AMOT (n.s.)

Exercise frequency

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis

BIV: IM (+); ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (−), AMOT (−)

Markland & Tobin, 2010 [88]

Cross-sectional

133 F

Exercise referral scheme clients (Mean 54.5 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Wilson et al., 2002 [49]

Cross-sectional

500 (81)

Aerobic exercisers (Mean 34 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (−)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations. Differences between PA intensities.

Sebire et al., 2009 [19]

Cross-sectional

410 (71)

Exercisers (Mean 41.4 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: RAI (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Hierarchical regression analysis

BIV: RAI (+)

Brickell & Chatzisarantis, 2007 [42]

Cross-sectional

252 (61)

College students (Mean 23.2 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: IM (n.s.), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Multiple regression analysis

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s)

Edmunds et al., 2006 [51]

Cross-sectional

339 (53)

Symptomatic vs asymptomatic for exercise dependence (Mean 32.1 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ) and Integrated Regulation scale (INTEG)

MV: Symptomatic: INTR (+ tendency); Asymptomatic: ID (+). Remaining variables not significant.

Self-reported exercise (total and strenuous PA; LTEQ)

Multiple regressions. No associations with moderately intense PA.

Moreno et al., 2007 [89]

Cross-sectional

561 (53)

Healthy adults (Mean 31.8 yr)

Spain

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: IM (n.s.), ID (−), INTR (n.s.), EXT (−), AMOT (−)

Exercise duration (0-45 min vs. 45-60 min vs. > 60 min)

Manovas

Hall et al., 2010 [90]

Cross-sectional

470 (54)

Adults (Mean 44.9 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2); Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (−)

Exercise status (active vs. inactive)

Anovas

Standage et al., 2008 [91]

Cross-sectional

52 (50)

University students (Mean 22 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations; Autonomous and controlled motivations (BREQ)

MV: AutMot (+), CtMot (n.s.)

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s), AutMot (+), CtMot (n.s.)

Accelerometry

Bivariate correlations; Sequential regression analysis

Duncan et al., 2010 [41]

Cross-sectional

1079 (57)

Regular exercisers (Mean 24.2 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2) + Integrated reg. scale

MV: IM (n.s.), INTEG (+), ID (+)*, INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s), AMOT (n.s)

* PA frequency; PA intensity; PA duration (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis

BIV: IM (+), INTEG (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (− F)*, AMOT (−)

Sorensen et al. 2006 [54]

cross-sectional

109 (59)

Psychiatric patients (Mean age group 31–49 yr)

Norway

Exercise regulations (based on BREQ)

MV: IM (+), ID (n.s.), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise level

Bivariate correlations; Logistic regressions

BIV: IM (+), ID (n.s.), INTR (n.s.), EXT (−)

Puente & Anshel, 2010 [77]

Cross-sectional

238 (57)

College students (Mean 20.4 yr)

USA

Exercise self-regulations (SRQ-E)

MV: RAI (+)

Exercise frequency

Bivariate correlations; SEM

BIV: RAI (+)

Halvary et al., 2009 [76]

Cross-sectional

190 (44)

Healthy adults (Mean 21.8 yr)

Norway

Autonomous motivation (SRQ)

MV: AutMot (+)

Exercise frequency and duration

Bivariate correlations; SEM; Mediation analysis

BIV: AutMot (+)

Wilson et al., 2006 [29]

Cross-sectional

220; 220 (56)

Cancer survivors (Mean 60–64 yr) vs non-cancer (Mean 50 yr)

Canada

Autonomous and controlled motivation (TSRQ-PA)

MV: AutMot (+), CtMot (−) in both samples

Self-reported exercise (min/wk of MVPA)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis

BIV: AutMot (+), CtMot (n.s.) in both samples

Hurkmans et al., 2010 [92]

Cross-sectional

271 (66)

Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Mean 62 yr)

Netherlands

Exercise self-regulations (TSRQ-PA). Adated RAI.

MV: RAI (+)

Self-reported exercise (SQUASH)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis

BIV: RAI (+)

Lutz et al., 2008 [93]

Cross-sectional

535 (60)

University students (Mean 20 yr)

USA

Exercise self-regulations (EMS). Adapted RAI.

MV: RAI (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlation; Preacher & Hayes mediation analysis

BIV: RAI (+)

Wininger, 2007 [28]

Cross-sectional

143; 58 (76)

Undergraduates (Mean 21–22 yr)

USA

Exercise self-regulations (EMS)

MV *: IM (+), INTEG (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (−)

* Exercise stages of change; ** Distance walked on treadmill

Bivariate correlations; Manovas

BIV **: IM experience sensations (+), INTEG (n.s.), ID (n.s.), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (−)

Craike, M., 2008 [47]

Cross-sectional

248 (53)

Healthy adults (Mean 48 yr)

Australia

Exercise self-regulations (based on BREQ and EMS)

MV: IM (+), ID (n.s.), INTR (n.s.), EXT (−)

Self-reported LTPA

SEM

Tsorbatzoudis et al., 2006 [94]

Cross-sectional

257 (55)

Healthy adults (Mean 31 yr)

Greece

Exercise self-regulations (SMS)

MV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (−), AMOT (−)

Exercise frequency (from the least to the most frequent)

Multivariate analysis of variance; multiple regressions

Chatzisarantis & Biddle, 1998 [95]

Cross-sectional

102 (50)

University employees (Mean 40 yr)

UK

Behavioral regulations for PA (SMS adaptation)

MV: Autonomous group (vs controlled) based on RAI scores (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

SEM

Matsumoto & Takenaka, 2004 [96]

Cross-sectional

486 (53)

Healthy individuals (Mean 45 yr)

Japan

Exercise self-regulations (SDMS); profiles of self-determination

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.) AMOT (−); Self-determined profile (+)

Exercise stages of change

Bivariate correlations and cluster analysis

McNeill et al., 2006 [97]

Cross-sectional

910 (80)

Healthy individuals (Mean 33 yr)

USA

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations (MPA)

MV: Intrinsic motivation (+); Extrinsic motivation for social pressure

Self-reported exercise (minutes of walking, and MVPA)

SEM. Indirectly through self-efficacy.

Russell & Bray, 2009 [98]

Cross-sectional and prospective (6 + 6wk)

68 (13)

Cardiac rehabilitation outpatients (Mean 64.9 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: RAI (+)

Self-reported exercise (7Day-PAR)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis

BIV: RAI (+)

Russell & Bray, 2010 [99]

Cross-sectional and Observational (14wk)

53 M

Exercise cardiac rehabilitation patients (Mean 62.8 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (SRQ-E)

MV: AutMot (+)

Exercise frequency; duration (+); volume (+) – 7Day-PAR

Bivariate correlations; Hierarchical regression analysis

BIV: AutMot (+), CtMot (n.s.)

Fortier et al., 2009 [100]

Prospective (6mo)

149 F

Healthy adults (Mean 51.8 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (TSRQ-adapted)

MV: AutMot (n.s.)

Duration, Frequency, and Energy Expenditure (CHAMPS)

Bivariate correlations; Mediation/regression analysis

BIV: AutMot (n.s.), CtMot (n.s.)

Rodgers et al., 2010 [31]

Prospective

1572 (60)

Initiate vs. long-term exercisers (Mean 22–51 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (−) overtime for initiates, but < to regular exercisers

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ); Initiate vs. long-term exercisers

Manovas. Total N from 6 samples: initiates (60, 134, 38, 84), regular exercisers (202, 1054)

Barbeau et al., 2009 [101]

Prospective (1mo)

118 (65)

Healthy adults (Mean 19 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

MV: AutMot (+), CtMot (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Path analysis

BIV: AutMot (+), CtMot (n.s.)

Hagger et al., 2006 [35]

Prospective (4wk)

261 (64)

University students (Mean 24.9 yr)

UK

Relative autonomy index (based on PLOC scale)

BIV: RAI (+)

Self-reported exercise (frequency)

Bivariate correlations; SEM

Hagger et al., 2006 [34]

Prospective (4 wk)

261 (64)

Exercise sample of university students (Mean 24.9 yr)

UK

Relative autonomy index (based on PLOC Scale)

BIV: RAI (+)

Self-reported exercise (frequency)

Bivariate correlations

Kwan et al., 2011[53]

Prospective (4 wk)

104 (58)

Undergraduate students; active (Mean 18.2 yr)

USA

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

BIV: IM (+), ID (n.s.), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.), AMOT (n.s.), RAI (n.s)

Self-reported exercise (online diary)

Bivariate correlations

Edmunds et al., 2007 [38]

Prospective (uncontrolled intervention) (3mo)

49 (84)

Overweight/Obese patients (Mean BMI: 38.8; Mean 45 yr) on an exercise scheme

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2); Integrated regulation subscale (EMS)

MV: IM (n.s.), INTEG (+), ID (−)*, INTR (+)*, EXT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ);

Bivariate correlations; Multilevel regression analysis.* ID and INTR multivariate outcomes resulted from net suppression; thus, not considered by the authors.

BIV: ID (+), INTR (−)

Wilson et al., 2003 [58]

Experimental (12wk)

53 (83)

Adults (Mean 41.8 yr; BMI: 19.9 ± 3.0 kg/m²)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: IM (+), ID (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis. IM and ID increased from pre- to post-exercise program

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.)

Sweet et al., 2009 [102]

Experimental (12mo)

234 (38)

Inactive with type 2 diabetes (Mean 53 yr) on an exercise program

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ)

MV: AutMot (+)

Amount of PA (kcal/month)

Bivariate correlations; Regression/Mediation analysis

BIV: AutMot (+)

Fortier et al., 2011 [36]

Experimental (13wk); RCT

120 (69)

Inactive patients (Mean 47.3 yr): intensive vs. brief PA intervention

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2)

BIV: IM, ID, INTR, EXT, and RAI were not significant predictors

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Fortier et al., 2007 [17]

Experimental (13wk); RCT

120 (69)

Autonomy supportive vs brief PA counseling (Mean 47.3 yr)

Canada

Treatment self-regulations (TSRQ-PA)

MV: AutMot (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Path/Mediation analysis

BIV: AutMot (n.s.)

Levy & Cardinal, 2004 [40]

Experimental (2mo); RCT

185 (68)

Adults (Mean 46.8 yr); SDT-based mail intervention vs. controls

USA

Exercise self-regulations (EMS)

MV: IM, INTEG, ID, INTR, EXT, and AMOT were not significant predictors

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Manovas with repeated measures

Mildestvedt et al., 2008 [68]

Experimental (4wk); RCT

176 (22)

Cardiac rehabilitation patients (Mean 56 yr): SDT-based vs standard rehab treatment

Norway

Autonomous and controlled motivations (TSRQ)

BIV: AutMot (+); CtMot (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (composite score); exercise intensity

ANOVAs with repeated measures

Silva et al., 2010 [33]

Experimental (12mo); RCT

239 F

OW/Obese women (Mean 38 yr); SDT-treatment vs controls

Portugal

Exercise self-regulations (SRQ-E)

MV: IM (+)*, ID (n.s.), INTR (n.s.), EXT (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise: MVPA * (7-day PAR); lifestyle PA index

Bivariate correlations; PLS analysis; Mediation analysis

BIV: IM (+), ID (+), INTR (+), EXT (n.s.)

Silva et al., 2010 [32]

Experimental (1 yr + 2y follow-up); RCT

221 F

OW/Obese women (Mean 38 yr); SDT-treatment vs controls

Portugal

Exercise self-regulations (SRQ-E) at 1 yr and 2 yr

MV: AutMot 2 yr (+), INTR 2 yr (n.s.), EXT 2 yr (n.s.)

2-yr self-reported exercise: MVPA (7-day PAR)

Bivariate correlations; PLS analysis; Mediation analysis

BIV: AutMot 1 and 2 yr (+), INTR 2 yr (+), EXT 2 yr (n.s.)

Puente & Anshel, 2010 [77]

Cross-sectional

238 (57)

College students (Mean 20.4 yr)

USA

Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS); Perceived Competence Scale (PCS)

MV: Competence (+)

Exercise frequency

Bivariate correlations; SEM; Relatedness not measured.

BIV: Autonomy (n.s.), Competence (+)

Edmunds et al., 2006 [44]

Cross-sectional

369 (52)

Healthy individuals (Mean 31.9 yr)

UK

Psychological need satisfaction (BNSWS adapted)

MV: Autonomy (n.s.), Competence (+), Relatedness (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (total and strenuous PA; LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Regression analysis; mediation analysis

BIV: Autonomy (+), Competence (+), Relatedness (+)

Edmunds et al., 2006 [51]

Cross-sectional

339 (53)

Symptomatic vs asymptomatic for exercise dependence (Mean 32.1 yr)

UK

Psychological need satisfaction (BNSWS adapted)

BIV: Autonomy (n.s.), Competence (+), Relatedness (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (total and strenuous PA; LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations. No associations with mild/moderately intense PA

Peddle et al., 2008 [43]

Cross-sectional

413 (46)

Colorectal cancer survivors (Mean 60 yr)

Canada

Psychological need satisfaction (PNSE)

BIV: Autonomy (+), Competence (+), Relatedness (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

McDonough et al., 2007 [50]

Cross-sectional

558 (72)

Recreational dragon boat paddlers (Mean 45 yr)

Canada

Exercise need satisfaction (PNSE)

MV: Autonomy (−), Competence (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; SEM

BIV: Autonomy (n.s.), Competence (+), Relatedness (n.s.)

Sebire et al., 2009 [19]

Cross-sectional

410 (71)

Exercisers (Mean 41.4 yr)

UK

Exercise need satisfaction (PNSE)

BIV: Exercise need satisfaction (composite score) (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Milne et al., 2008 [87]

Cross-sectional

558 F

Breast cancer survivors (Mean 59 yr)

Australia

Perceived competence (PCS)

MV: Competence (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ); Exercise categories (meeting vs. not meeting guidelines)

Anovas; Hierarchical regression analysis

BIV: Competence (+)

Halvary et al., 2009 [76]

Cross-sectional

190 (44)

Healthy adults (Mean 21.8 yr)

Norway

Perceived competence (PCS)

MV: Competence (n.s.)

Exercise frequency and duration

Bivariate correlations; SEM/Mediation analysis

BIV: Competence (+)

Vlachopoulos & Michailidou, 2006 [103]

Cross-sectional

508 (50)

Greek adults (Mean 30 yr)

Greece

Psychological needs satisfaction in exercise (BPNES)

MV: Autonomy (n.s.), Competence (+); Relatedness (n.s.)

Exercise frequency

SEM

Markland & Tobin, 2010 [88]

Cross-sectional

133 F

Exercise referral scheme clients

UK

Autonomy need (LCE); Perceived Competence (IMI); Relatedness (8-item scale)

BIV: Autonomy (+), Competence (+), Relatedness (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Russell & Bray, 2009 [98]

Cross-sectional and prospective (6 + 6wk)

68 (13)

Cardiac rehabilitation outpatients (Mean 64.9 yr)

Canada

Exercise need satisfaction (PNSE)

BIV: Autonomy (n.s.), Competence (+)*, Relatedness (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (7Day-PAR) at 3wk and 6wk* follow-up

Bivariate correlations

Barbeau et al., 2009 [101]

Prospective (1mo)

118 (65)

Healthy adults (Mean 19 yr)

Canada

Exercise need satisfaction (PNSES)

BIV: Autonomy (+), Competence (+), Relatedness (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Hagger et al., 2006 [34]

Prospective (4 wk)

261 (64)

Exercise sample of university students (Mean 24.9 yr)

UK

Psychological need satisfaction

BIV: Psychological need satisfaction (composite score) (+)

Self-reported exercise (frequency).

Bivariate correlations

Edmunds et al., 2007 [38]

Prospective (uncontrolled intervention) (3mo)

49 (84)

OW/Obese patients (BMI: 38.75; Mean 45 yr)

UK

Psychological need satisfaction (PNSS)

MV: Autonomy (n.s.), Competence (n.s.); Relatedness (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ); (Increase in relatedness overtime)

Multilevel regression analysis; Paired T-tests

Fortier et al., 2007 [17]

Experimental (13 wk); RCT

120 (69)

Healthy adults (Mean 47.3 yr)

Canada

Perceived Competence (PCES)

MV: Competence (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Path analysis; Mediation analysis

Levy & Cardinal, 2004 [40]

Experimental (2mo); RCT

185 (68)

Adults (Mean 46.8 yr); SDT-based mail intervention vs. controls

USA

Perceived autonomy satisfaction (LCE)

MV: Autonomy (+ F), Competence (n.s.), Relatedness (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Manovas with repeated measures

Silva et al., 2010 [33]

Experimental (12mo); RCT

239 F

OW/Obese women (Mean BMI: 31.5; Mean 38 y); SDT-based weight loss treatment vs controls

Portugal

Perceived autonomy satisfaction (LCE); Competence (IMI)

BIV: Autonomy (+), Competence (+)

Self-reported exercise: MVPA (7-day PAR); lifestyle PA index

Bivariate correlations

Ingledew et al., 2009 [79]

Cross-sectional

251 (52)

University Students (Mean 19.5 yr)

UK

Exercise motives (EMI-2)

MV: Intrinsic motives: Stress management (+), Affiliation (+), Challenge (+); Extrinsic: Health/fitness (+); body-related (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (measure analogous to LTEQ)

Partial Least Squares Analysis (PLS); Mediation analysis

Ingledew & Markland, 2008 [46]

Cross-sectional

252 (48)

Office workers (Mean 40 yr)

UK

Exercise motives (EMI-2)

BIV: Intrinsic motives (n.s.), Extrinsic motives: health/fitness (+) and body-related (−)

Self-reported exercise (measure analogous to LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Frederick & Ryan, 1993 [59]

Cross-sectional

376 (64)

Healthy individuals (Mean 39 yr)

USA

Exercise motives (MPAM)

Intrinsic motives: interest/enjoyment (+); competence (+); Extrinsic motives: body-related (+)

Self-reported exercise (levels, intensity)

Differences between PA categories; correlations and Manovas

Frederick et al., 1996 [104]

Cross-sectional

118 (68)

College students (Mean 22 yr)

USA

Exercise motives (MPAM-r)

MV: Extrinsic: body-related (+ M)

Self-reported exercise: frequency, volume

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis

BIV: Intrinsic motives (+ F), Extrinsic: body-related (+ M)

Buckworth et al., 2007 [30] a

Cross-sectional

184;220 (60)

University students (Mean 18–22 yr)

USA

Exercise motives (EMI and IMI; total and subscales)

Intrinsic motives (except choice) (+); Extrinsic motives (except tangible rewards) (+)

Exercise stages of change

Anovas and profile analysis

Sebire et al., 2009 [19]

Cross-sectional

400 (73)

Exercisers (Mean 41.4 yr)

UK

Exercise goal content (GCEQ)

MV: Intrinsic motives (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations; Hierarchical regression analysis

BIV: Intrinsic motives (+)

Segar et al., 2006 [64]

Cross-sectional

59 F

Healthy adults (Mean 45.6 yr)

USA

Body and non-body shape motives for exercise (via inductive, qualitative methods)

BIV: Body motives (−); non-body shape motives (+).

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Hierarchical regression analysis

Sit et al., 2008 [105]

Cross-sectional

360 F

Chinese adults (30–59 yr)

China

Exercise motives (MPAM-r)

MV: Intrinsic motives : competence/challenge (+), interest/enjoyment (+); Extrinsic: fitness/health (+); appearance (n.s.)

Exercise stages of change

Manovas

Davey et al., 2009 [106]

Cross-sectional

134 (66)

Employees (estimated mean age between 25–44 yr)

New Zeland

Exercise motives (based on MPAM-r and SMS)

MV: Intrinsic motives: enjoyment (+), competence/challenge (+); Extrinsic: appearance (−); Fitness (n.s.)

Total number of steps in 3wk

Multiple regression analysis

Segar et al., 2008 [65]

Prospective

156 F

Healthy women (Mean 49.3 yr)

USA

Extrinsic and Intrinsic goals (based on a list of goals and on cluster analysis)

MV: Intrinsic goals (+); Extrinsic goals: weight maintenance/toning (−); health benefits (−)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Linear mixed model

Ingledew et al., 1998 [107]

Prospective (3mo)

425 (34)

Government employees (Mean 40 yr)

UK

Exercise motives (EMI-2)

MV: Intrinsic motives: enjoyment (+); Extrinsic: body-related (+ action; - maintenance); health pressures (+ preparation; - action/maintenance)

Exercise stages of change

Discriminant function analysis

Ryan et al., 1997 [27] a

Prospective (10wk)

40 (80)

University students and employees (Mean 21 yr)

USA

Exercise motives (MPAM)

MV: Intrinsic motives: enjoyment (+), competence (+); body-related motives (n.s.)

Reduced dropout and attendance to exercise classes

Manovas and multiple regressions

Ryan et al., 1997 [27] b

Prospective (10wk)

155 (57)

New fitness center members (Mean 19.5 yr)

USA

Exercise motives (MPAM-R)

MV: Intrinsic motives: enjoyment (+), competence (+), social interactions (+); Extrinsic motives: fitness (n.s.), appearance (n.s.)

Attendance to and duration of exercise workout

Manovas and multiple regressions

Buckworth et al., 2007 [30] b

Experimental (10wk)

142 (66)

College Students (Mean 21.3 yr)

USA

Exercise motives (EMI and IMI);

BIV: Intrinsic motives: effort/competence (+) and interest/enjoyment (+); Extrinsic motives: appearance (+) *

Exercise patterns (from stable inactive to stable active); Activity vs. Lecture (no activity) Classes *

Anovas with repeated measures.

Peddle et al., 2008 [43]

Cross-sectional

413 (46)

Colorectal cancer survivors (Mean 60 yr)

Canada

Perceived need support (PAS, based on HCCQ-short)

BIV: Need support (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Milne et al., 2008 [87]

Cross-sectional

558 F

Breast cancer survivors (Mean 59 yr)

Australia

Perceived need support (mHCCQ)

MV: Need support (+)

BIV: Need support (+)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ); exercise categories (meeting vs. not meeting guidelines)

Anovas; Hierarchical regression analysis

Hurkmans et al., 2010 [92]

Cross-sectional

271 (66)

Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Mean 62 yr)

Netherlands

Perceived need support (HCCQ-mod)

MV: Need support (n.s.)

Self-reported PA (SQUASH)

Bivariate correlations; Multiple regression analysis

BIV: Need support (n.s.)

Halvary et al., 2009 [76]

Cross-sectional

190 (44)

Healthy adults (Mean 21.8 yr)

Norway

Perceived need support (SCQ based on HCCQ)

BIV: Need support (+)

Exercise frequency and duration

Bivariate correlations

Markland & Tobin, 2010 [88]

Cross-sectional

133 F

Exercise referral scheme clients

UK

Need support (15-item scale)

BIV: Need support (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Puente & Anshel, 2010 [77]

Cross-sectional

238 (57)

College students (Mean 20.4 yr)

USA

Exercise need support (SCQ)

BIV: Need support (+)

Exercise frequency

Bivariate correlations

Russel & Bray, 2010 [99]

Cross-sectional and prospective (14wk)

53 M

Exercise cardiac rehabilitation patients (Mean 62.8 yr)

Canada

Perceived need support (HCCQ-short)

MV: Need support (n.s.)

Exercise frequency; duration (+); volume – 7Day-PAR

Bivariate correlations; Hierarchical regression analysis

BIV: Need support (+)

Levy et al., 2008 [108]

Prospective (8-10wk)

70 (37)

Injured exercisers in rehabilitation (Mean 33 yr; 69% recreational)

UK

Perceived need support (HCCQ)

MV: Need support (+) ^{a, c}

Exercise adherence: ^a clinical, ^b home-based; ^c attendance

Bivariate correlations; Manovas

BIV: Need support (+) ^{a, c}

Edmunds et al., 2007 [38]

Uncontrolled Prospective (3mo)

49 (84)

OW/Obese patients (BMI: 38.75; Mean 45 yr) on an exercise scheme

UK

Perceived need support (HCCQ)

MV: Need support (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ);

Multilevel regression analysis

Fortier et al., 2007 [17]

Experimental (13 wk); RCT

120 (69)

Autonomy supportive vs. brief PA counseling (Mean 47.3 yr)

Canada

Perceived need support (HCCQ)

BIV: Need support

Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Bivariate correlations

Mildestvedt et al., 2008 [68]

Experimental (4wk); RCT

176 (22)

Cardiac rehabilitation patients (Mean 56 yr): autonomy supportive vs. standard rehab

Norway

Perceived need support (mHCCQ)

MV: Need support (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (composite score); exercise intensity

Manovas with repeated measures

Silva et al., 2010 [33]

Experimental (12mo); RCT

239 F

OW/Obese women (Mean BMI: 31.5; Mean 38 y): SDT-based WL treatment vs. controls

Portugal

Perceived need support (HCCQ)

MV: Need support (+)

Self-reported exercise: MVPA (7-day PAR); lifestyle PA index

Bivariate correlations; PLS/mediation analysis

BIV: Need support (+)

Silva et al., 2010 [32]

Experimental (1 yr + 2y follow-up); RCT

221 F

OW/Obese women (Mean BMI: 31.5; Mean 38 y): SDT-based WL treatment vs. controls

Portugal

Perceived need support (HCCQ)

BIV: Need support (+)

Self-reported exercise: MVPA (7-day PAR)

Bivariate correlations

Rose et al., 2005 [56]

Cross-sectional

375 (51)

Volunteers (17–60 yr)

UK

Exercise causality orientations (ECOS)

MV: Autonomy O. (+), Controlling O. (− F), and Impersonal O. (−)

Exercise stages of change

Discriminant function analysis. Gender differences

Kwan et al., 2011[53]

Prospective (4 wk)

104 (58)

Undergraduate students; active (Mean 18.2 yr)

USA

Exercise causality orientations (ECOS)

BIV: Autonomy O. (+), Controlling O. (−), and Impersonal O. (n.s.)

Self-reported exercise (online diary)

Bivariate correlations

Edmunds et al., 2008 [39]

Experimental (10wk)

55 F

Exercisers (Mean 21 yr)

UK

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2); Need support (PESS); Basic needs (PNSS); Exercise attendance

Groups: SDT-based exercise classes vs. traditional exercise classes

Higher perceived need support, autonomy and relatedness needs; Competence (+), INTRO (+) and amotivation (−) overtime for both groups

Higher exercise attendance

Multilevel regression analysis

Fortier et al., 2007 [17]

Experimental (13wk); RCT

120 (69)

Healthy adults (Mean 47.3 yr)

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (TSRQ-PA); Perceived Competence (PCES); Need Support (HCCQ); Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Groups: autonomy supportive vs. brief PA counseling

Higher perceived need support, autonomous motivation overtime

Higher reported exercise overtime

Ancovas

Fortier et al., 2011 [36]

Experimental (13wk); RCT

120 (69)

Inactive primary care patients (Mean 47.3 yr): intensive vs. brief PA counseling intervention

Canada

Exercise self-regulations (BREQ-2); Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Groups: autonomy supportive - intensive vs. brief PA counseling

Higher perceived need support, autonomous motivation overtime

Higher reported exercise overtime

Ancovas

Mildestvedt et al., 2008 [68]

Experimental (4wk); RCT

176 (22)

Cardiac rehabilitation patients (Mean 56 yr): autonomy supportive vs. standard rehab

Norway

Exercise self-regulations (TSRQ); Perceived need support (mHCCQ); Self-reported exercise

Groups: autonomy supportive vs. standard rehab

No significant differences

No significant differences

Anovas with repeated measures

Levy & Cardinal, 2004 [40]

Experimental (2mo); RCT

185 (68)

Adults (Mean 46.8 yr); SDT-based mail intervention vs. controls

USA

Exercise self-regulations (EMS); Perceptions of autonomy (LCE); Competence (PSPP); Self-reported exercise (LTEQ)

Groups: SDT-based mail vs. controls

Women only: increase in perception of autonomy

Women only: increase self-reported exercise

Anovas with repeated measures

Silva et al., 2010 [18]

Experimental (12mo); RCT

239 F

OW/Obese women (Mean BMI: 31.5; Mean 38 y); RCT

Portugal

Exercise self-regulations (SRQ-E); Need support (HCCQ); Perceived autonomy (LCE); Self-reported exercise (MVPA, lifestyle, steps)

Groups: SDT-based weight loss treatment vs. controls

Higher need supportive climate, autonomy satisfaction, IM, IDENT, INTRO

Higher reported exercise (all measures)

Effect sizes; T-tests

Silva et al., 2011 [32]

Experimental (1 yr + 2y follow-up); RCT

221 F

OW/Obese women (Mean BMI: 31.5; Mean 38 y); RCT

Portugal

Exercise self-regulations (SRQ-E) at 1 yr and 2 yr; Need support (HCCQ); Self-reported exercise (MVPA)

Groups: SDT-based weight loss treatment vs. controls

Higher 2-yr EXT, INTRO and autonomous regulations

Higher 2-yr reported exercise

Effect sizes; T-tests