Exercise Motivation Among Special Populations

Abstract

Motivational factors and barriers to exercise are key factors in exercise programming, particularly in programs intended for special populations. PURPOSE: 1) To investigate physical activity and exercise motivation among persons with various chronic health conditions, apparently healthy older adults, and among persons participating in community exercise programs associated with special populations, specifically older adults and those with chronic disease, and 2) Identify barriers to exercise among special populations. METHODS: Surveys comprising of demographics, physical activity (PA) (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)), and exercise motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ2)), and barriers to exercise, were distributed to participants of local community exercise programs targeting special populations, and apparently healthy older adults (n = 208). RESULTS: Significant effects were found for participation in a community exercise program regarding PASE score (F = 3.48, p = .01), amotivation (F = 8.54, p = .00), external regulation (F = 2.71, p = .03), introjected regulation (F = 24.07, p = .00), identified regulation (F = 1.18, p = .34), and for health condition on intrinsic regulation (F = 2.32, p = .03). Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in amotivation scores between those participating in a diabetes prevention program (DPP) (1.5 ± .88) and participants in Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) (0.23 ± .01, p = .00), cardiac rehabilitation (0.16 ± .01, p = .00), Parkinson’s programs (.31 ± .04, p = .00), and Functionally Fit (.23 ± .02, p = .00). Most common barriers cited were COVID-19, time constraints, fatigue, pain, and stress. CONCLUSION: Overall health condition did not appear to have an impact on physical activity or exercise motivation. However, those with osteoporosis and cancer had higher levels of intrinsic motivation toward exercise. Participation in community programs appeared to have a positive impact on physical activity and exercise motivation. Specifically, those participating in cardiac rehab and Functionally Fit had higher levels of PA, and DPP participants had less motivation to exercise. Further analysis is expected comparing participation in community programs vs. no program.