Correlates and preferences of resistance training among older adults in Alberta, Canada.

Abstract

The prevalence of resistance training among older adults in Alberta, Canada, has never been measured. Hence, there is no clear understanding of the demographic and health-related factors associated with resistance training, or older adults' resistance training programming preferences. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of resistance training behaviours among older adults in Alberta. Older adults (>55 years) from across Alberta were invited to participate in this study. Participants completed self-reported measures of resistance training behaviours, demographics, health-related information, and resistance training program interest and preferences. A total of 358 (of 393) participants returned a completed survey, for a response rate of 91.1%. Overall, 53.1% met Canadian resistance training guidelines. On average, participants engaged in resistance training on 1.8 (SD = 1.9) days per week for an average of 1.6 hours (SD = 1.3). Preferences included resistance training in a fitness club (45.7%) and morning training times (51.7%). Indicating an ability to participate in a resistance training program for older adults was associated with being age 65 years or older (OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 0.69 to 8.0, p = 0.017) and being male (OR = 2.2; 95% CI, 0.73 to 6.69, p = 0.016). Those meeting resistance training guidelines were significantly less likely to have a chronic disease (OR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.95, p = 0.03). Older adults had unique preferences for receiving resistance training counseling and programming. These preferences were associated with specific demographic and health-related variables.