Relationships between self perceptions and physical activity behaviour, fear of falling, and physical function among older adults

Myrla Sales,Remco Polman,Pazit Levinger

doi:10.1186/s11556-017-0185-3

Abstract

BackgroundThere has been a lack of research examining the relationship among self-perceptions, behaviour, cognitions and functioning in older adults. This study, therefore, examined the relationship between global and physical self-perceptions, physical activity behaviour, and fear of falling taking into considerations objective measures of physical functioning in community dwelling older adults.Methods/designSixty-six participants between 60 and 90 years old (71.9 ± 6.6 years; 47 females; 19 males) completed questionnaires assessing physical and global self-description (PSDQ), planned and incidental physical activity behaviour (IPEQ), and falls efficacy (Short FES-I) as well as tests measuring physical functioning. Backwards multiple linear regression modelling was used to assess possible relationships among variables.ResultsFindings showed that physical self-perceptions (activity, coordination, endurance, flexibility) were associated with self-reported planned and incidental PA whereas sit-to-stand was the only objectively measured physical functioning variable associated with planned PA. Similarly, more falls, global self-esteem, general physical and domain specific physical self-perceptions (flexibility and strength) as well as knee strength were associated with fear of falling. There were also associations between some of the objectively measured physical functioning variables and self-perceptions of the physical self, providing some predictive validity for the PDSQ.ConclusionsThe findings of this study come to corroborate that the belief system of older adults ideally need to be taken into consideration when designing interventions that aim to enhance PA behaviour or reduce fear of falling. Coupling that with goal-setting, life coaching and behaviour change strategies would also be beneficial to address engagement and adherence to such interventions.Trial registrationThis trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry - Registry No. ACTRN12614000700639 on the Jul 03rd 2014.

Highlights

There has been a lack of research examining the relationship among self-perceptions, behaviour, cognitions and functioning in older adults
Findings showed that physical self-perceptions were associated with self-reported planned and incidental physical activity (PA) whereas sit-to-stand was the only objectively measured physical functioning variable associated with planned PA
More falls, global self-esteem, general physical and domain specific physical self-perceptions as well as knee strength were associated with fear of falling

Summary

Introduction

There has been a lack of research examining the relationship among self-perceptions, behaviour, cognitions and functioning in older adults. This study, examined the relationship between global and physical self-perceptions, physical activity behaviour, and fear of falling taking into considerations objective measures of physical functioning in community dwelling older adults. Perception of the physical self which includes appearance, function and ability to perform physical activities, may influence physical activity (PA) behaviour (i.e., engagement of planned and unplanned physical activities) among older adults. This is an important issue, because PA behaviour in the elderly is relatively low [1] when compared to what the guidelines for older adults’ PA. To date relatively little is known about the association between (physical) self-perceptions and PA behaviour in older adults

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