EXERCISE ADHERENCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Older adults are not meeting the Surgeon General's recommendations for daily physical activity. Some success has been reported in interventions that utilize the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for behavior change by tailoring health education according to the various TTM stages. This intervention has not been thoroughly examined in older adults. PURPOSE To increase physical activity adherence (PAA), and improve the physical performance and perceived physical and emotional health (PPEH) of sedentary, older adults utilizing a TTM stage-based physical activity education program. METHODS Twenty-three sedentary, older adults in a Pre-Action stage of the TTM were assigned to either a behavior modification (BM) (76 years ± 7) group or an education awareness (EA) (62 years ± 7) group. Both groups were given the same progressive, home-based, 12-week physical activity program. All received at least 3 classes before the study to learn how to perform the exercises correctly and safely. The BM group participated in a 12-week structured, TTM-based education program. The EA group received general information about exercise at the start of the program. To measure PAA, participants were given exercise logs to complete and return weekly. TTM, physical performance (strength, balance, cardiovascular, and flexibility), and the PPEH (using the SF 36) were measured pre-and post-intervention. RESULTS Movement through the TTM was the same for both groups (pre-intervention, 100% of both groups were in Pre-Action; at Week 12, 30% remained in Pre-Action while 70% moved to Action). The BM group had greater PAA over the 12 weeks than the EA group. Both groups had significant improvements in upper body strength measured in timed arm curl repetitions (p < .05), cardiovascular endurance measured via the 2 Minute Step Test (p < .05), and in PPEH (p < .05). CONCLUSION Older adults can adhere to a structured, home-based physical activity program. Behavior modification, organized by the TTM, was an effective strategy to increase PAA in older adults. Supported by the University of CT Gerontology Fellowship.