Figure 2.

Theory of effort minimization in physical activity (TEMPA) framework for the prediction of movement-based behaviors. Movement-based behaviors are the behaviors enacted for everything we do and include sitting, standing, and different intensities of physical activity. Movement-related cues are cues related to movement-based behaviors. Controlled and automatic processes are defined as the mechanisms by which a person's behavior is regulated, whereas controlled and automatic precursors are the outputs of the processes (e.g., intention and approach-avoidance tendencies). In TEMPA, movement-based behaviors are considered on an energetic continuum and depend on controlled and automatic processes that can be activated by internal and external movement-related cues. The positive or negative evaluation of these cues is dependent on the physiological state of the individual at the moment of exposure to these cues and on whether these cues are of a dispensable or necessary nature. The evaluation of the effort associated with the cues is affected by the positive or negative evaluation of these cues and will in turn influence the controlled and automatic processes leading to behavioral precursors. For these precursors to support the engagement in behaviors associated with an increased energy expenditure, the automatic and controlled processes supporting this engagement should be stronger than the processes supporting the minimization of the perceived effort. The relative weight of the controlled precursors (e.g., reasoned attitudes, explicit intentions) and automatic precursors (e.g., affective reactions, approach-avoidance tendencies) in the decision-making process is moderated by multiple factors (e.g., habitualness, fatigue, cognitive load). The behavioral decision transforms the dominant behavioral precursor into an overt behavior through the implementation of a motor plan specifying the spatiality and temporality of the movements constituting the behavior that is sent to the muscles (i.e., motor command). The resulting movement-based behavior requires a physical effort that will influence future perceptions and will be used in a feedback loop to update the motor plan and make it more efficient.