Changes In Exercise Self-efficacy Research Articles

Change in Goal Ratings as a Mediating Variable Between Self-efficacy and Physical Activity in Older Men

Few studies have examined the associations between exercise self-efficacy, goals, and physical activity over time. This study examines whether self-selected goals mediate the changes in exercise self-efficacy on physical activity over 12 months. Data are derived from 313 older men participating in the Veterans LIFE Study. Changes in exercise self-efficacy were significantly associated with changes in physical activity both directly (betas = 0.25 and 0.24, p < 0.05) and indirectly (betas = 0.24 and 0.30, p < 0.05) through changes in health-related and walking goal ratings (betas = 0.19 and 0.20, p < 0.05). Both types of goal setting continued to partially mediate the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity when covariates were added to the models. This study extends the application of social cognitive and goal-setting theories to physical activity by showing that goals partially mediate the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity over time.

Socioeconomic Status and Psychosocial Mechanisms of Lifestyle Change in a Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Trial

Little is known about psychosocial mechanisms that may underlie differences in lifestyle change between socioeconomic groups. The purpose of this study is to examine how educational level influences middle-aged participants' (N = 385) psychosocial responses to the GOAL Lifestyle Implementation Trial. The measurements of self-efficacy and planning for healthy lifestyle were conducted pre-intervention (T1) and post-intervention (T2, 3 months), and measurements of exercise and healthy eating as outcomes at T1 and at 12 months (T3). Psychosocial determinants at T1 and their T1-T2 changes were mostly similar, irrespective of educational levels. Exercise barriers self-efficacy was enhanced slightly less (p = 0.08) among the low-SES. T2 levels as well as pre-post-intervention changes in exercise self-efficacy predicted 12-month changes in exercise, and T2 diet coping planning predicted changes in dietary fat intake. The associations were similar across all SES groups. Enhancing self-efficacy and planning is similarly effective among intervention participants regardless of education level.

Evaluation Of A Simple Intervention To Increase Self-efficacy For Independent Exercise In Cardiac Rehabilitation Participants

While benefits of exercise after a cardiac event are well documented, participation in and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs is often low. PURPOSE: To test the effectiveness of a self-efficacy coaching intervention (SCI): a simple theory-based behavioral intervention to increase self-efficacy for independent exercise as well as independent exercise behavior in CR patients. It was hypothesized that persons receiving the SCI treatment (T) would have higher levels of self-efficacy for exercise and greater participation in independent exercise than those in an attention control (C) group. METHODS: People referred to a hospital-based CR program by their physician were invited to participate in the study (N = 65). Participants were assigned to either T or C groups which were randomly designated by class time. The SCI was administered every two weeks by CR staff as a supplement to standard CR care. Patients in the T group received coaching about independent exercise, patients in the C group received coaching matched for time and technique but covering information about healthy eating. Self-efficacy for independent exercise was assessed at the beginning and end of the supervised CR program with an Exercise Self-Efficacy (ESE) scale and a Barriers Self-Efficacy (BARSE) scale. Participation in independent exercise was determined by self-report with activity logs. Outcome differences between and within T and C groups were analyzed through one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Differences between groups were not statistically significant (p >.10) for any outcome variable. Significant within groups changes (p <.05) were seen for BARSE change in the T group, and for independent exercise change in both groups. Analysis of covariance suggested an independent effect of gender on change in ESE and BARSE scores, and an independent effect of previous exercise on exercise change. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the limited body of knowledge about theory-based interventions in CR programs and takes an important step in translating self-efficacy theory into a simple, practical application that will promote maintenance of lifestyle changes in this population. Further study is needed to see if the changes translate into maintenance of independent exercise behavior after completion of a formal CR program.

Heart-to-Heart

Walking can significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness and thereby reduce the incidence of heart disease in women. However, there is a paucity of research aimed at increasing walking in rural women, a high-risk group for heart disease and one for which exercise strategies may pose particular challenges. This study tested Heart-to-Heart (HTH), a 12-week walking program, designed to increase fitness through walking in rural women. Heart-to-Heart integrated individual-oriented strategies, including motivational interviewing, and group-based strategies, including team building. Forty-six rural women were randomized to either HTH or a comparison group. The primary outcome of cardiorespiratory fitness and secondary outcomes of self-efficacy and social support were measured preintervention and post-intervention. Group differences were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. Women in HTH group had a greater improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (P =.057) and in social support (P =.004) compared with women in the comparison group. Neither group of women experienced a change in exercise self-efficacy (P =.814). HTH was effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in a sample of rural women. Further research is needed to refine HTH and determine the optimal approach in rural women to increase their walking.

Process and outcome in cardiac rehabilitation: an examination of cross-lagged effects.

Cardiac rehabilitation patients improve cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life, yet therapeutic processes that produce these changes remain unknown. A cross-lagged panel design was used to determine whether early-treatment enhancement of self-efficacy regarding abilities to change diet and exercise habits and the quality of the patient-staff working alliance predicted late-treatment changes in a wide range of outcomes, but not vice versa. Eighty cardiac patients participating in a 12-week program completed measures at early, mid- and late treatment. Early-treatment changes in exercise self-efficacy predicted late-treatment changes in activity level, depression, and working alliance, but not vice versa. Diet self-efficacy changes correlated with concurrent changes in fat intake and body weight. Early-treatment changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and activity level predicted late-treatment changes in working alliance, but not vice versa. Findings suggest that increased exercise self-efficacy represents an important therapeutic mechanism by which rehabilitation gains are realized. ((c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved)