Do attitudes toward exercise vary with differences in mobility and disability status? – a study among low-income seniors

Abstract

Purpose. To examine attitudes toward exercise among a vulnerable aged population characterized by low socioeconomic status, poor functional status and lack of available therapeutic exercise resources.Method. This cross-sectional survey among public low-income housing residents (n = 94), aged > 70 years utilizes these assessments: Physician-based Assessment & Counseling for Exercise (PACE) scale, exercise self-efficacy score, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales.Results. Readiness to exercise differed significantly (p < 0.001) across physical performance levels, and ADL and IADL groups. Exercise self-efficacy also differed significantly (p < 0.001) across performance levels. The highest performance level (score 7 – 12) had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher self-efficacy score than the medium performance level (score 4 – 6) and the lowest performance level (0 – 3) groups. Exercise self-efficacy also differed significantly (p < 0.001) across ADL and IADL groups. However, interest in home-based or class-based exercise participation was high among all groups. More than 70% of subjects reported interest with no significant difference noted among groups.Conclusion. Attitudes toward exercise are significantly associated with observed physical function and self-reported disability among vulnerable older adults living in public low-income housing.