Baseline Psychosocial Factors Associated with Long-term Physical Activity Adherence in Post-Menopausal Women

Abstract

2063 Physical activity adherence has been associated with positive health outcomes, including, maintenance of bone mass in post-menopausal women. However, many do not either begin or fail to maintain the physical activity regimens commonly recommended to post-menopausal women for the prevention of osteoporosis. Underlying psychosocial factors involved in long-term physical activity adoption or rejection are yet to be determined. PURPOSE: We examined the psychosocial factors associated with long-term physical activity adherence in post-menopausal women. METHODS: 320 post-menopausal, sedentary women were administered a comprehensive psychometric battery before being randomized to control or a strength training program and followed 4 years. The 177 randomized to exercise were divided into two groups, 4-year completers (n = 60) and non-completers. These two groups were compared based on responses to the baseline psychometric battery. RESULTS: Average age, weight, and body fatness were significantly different between completers and non-completers (56.4 ± 4.1 and 54.1 ± 4.5 years; 65.4 ± 10.0 and 69.8 ± 12.2 kg; 37.0% ± 5.8% and 39.9% ± 6.4% body fat, respectively, p < 0.05). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use was equal between groups. Completers scored statistically significantly higher on US SF-36 and WHI psychosocial variables of general health and emotional well being, with fewer physical limitations, than noncompleters. Non-completers were more likely to state that they do not work any harder than they have to, on the Dishman Questionnaire. Results of the Martin Questionnaire revealed that non-completers rated highly on not believing that they could change their habits and become more active. These key questions contribute significantly to the logistic regression model, and in addition, when exercise attendance and baseline covariates are added to the model, all questions remain significant. CONCLUSIONS: Independent of adherence to exercise, completers of the 4-year exercise intervention appear to have a better overall quality of life score at baseline and are more motivated and willing to work, while non-completers appear to doubt ability to change their lifestyle. Supported by NIH Grant AR39559 and Mission Pharmacal.