Using a Self Regulation Physical Activity Intervention to Improve Physical Function

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Limitations in physical function are risk factors for subsequent disability, institutionalization, and loss of independence for older adults and are directly caused or exacerbated by physical inactivity. Getting older adults to adopt and maintain physical activity (PA) is a challenge. Use of self-regulation (SR) strategies may be useful, especially for overweight and obese older adults. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of a 10-week group exercise and lifestyle behavior change program on physical function in older community-dwelling adults. METHODS: Fifty two older adults (mean age= 72.34 yrs ± 8.0, mean BMI=31.68 ± 6.53) completed the 10-week Physical Activity for Life for Seniors (PALS) group exercise and lifestyle behavior change program. Ten exercises were performed in a circuit in 1 minute intervals over 40 minutes 3 days/week. The 30 minute lifestyle behavior change class included self-regulation problem solving strategies for staying active. Physical function was measured via the Physical Function Questionnaire (PFQ, 0=unable to do to 100=no difficulty in performing 6 functional tasks), Timed Up and Go (TUG, time in seconds to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, return to chair and sit), 6 Minute Walk (6MW, feet) and Usual Gait Speed (UGS, meters/second to walk 6 m distance); PA via the CHAMPS questionnaire and SR via the Self-Regulation for Exercise Scale (1=never to 5=very often). Paired t-tests were used to examine mean differences in the variables pre and post intervention. RESULTS: In this population of overweight and obese older adults, significant improvements (p=.000) were noted in physical function (PFQ: 72.85 ± 21.12 vs 79.31 ± 18.47; TUG: 10.89 sec ± 2.67 vs 9.45 sec ± 2.52; UGS: 1.19 m/s ± .22 vs 1.26 m/s ± .22; 6MW: 1112.06 ft ± 410.21 vs 1337.92 ft ± 361.04); PA (total PA: 2143.31 ± 2153.24 vs 4092.99 ± 2635.78; moderate PA: 742.84 ± 1476.00 vs 2366.96 ± 2112.94); and SR (1.55 ± .61 vs 2.67 ± .62). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a 10-week group exercise intervention that includes a SR behavior change component was effective in improving physical function and moderate intensity and total PA in this population of older adults. Participants indicated they liked the socialization the group format provided.