Exercise Class Attendance Research Articles

Community Exercise Program Participation and Mental Well-Being in the U.S. Texas-Mexico Border Region.

Hispanics are disproportionately affected by low rates of physical activity and high rates of chronic diseases. Hispanics generally and Mexican Americans specifically are underrepresented in research on physical activity and its impact on mental well-being. Some community-based interventions have been effective in increasing physical activity among Hispanics. This study examined data from a sample of low-income Hispanic participants in free community exercise classes to characterize the association between self-reported frequency of exercise class attendance, intensity of physical activity, and participant well-being. As part of two cross-sectional samples recruited from a stratified random sample of community exercise classes, 302 participants completed a questionnaire consisting of a modified version of the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF). Adjusted logistic regression analyses indicated that those who achieve mild, moderate, and strenuous self-reported physical activity have 130% higher odds (p = 0.0422) of positive mental well-being after adjustment for age, frequency of attendance, and self-reported health. This study provides evidence that the intensity of physical activity is associated with flourishing mental well-being among Hispanic adults. The association between physical activity and mental well-being is more pronounced when considering participants engaged in mild levels of physical activity. The study further provides insight into the planning and development of community-based physical activity programming tailored to low-income populations.

Social Identity and Adherence Behavior in Older Adult Group-Based Exercise

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the relationship between social identity and exercise adherence among older adults. Eighty group-based older adult exercise class attendees (M age = 68.00) completed a baseline questionnaire assessing the three dimensions of social identification (ingroup ties, cognitive centrality, ingroup affect) with their exercise class, and recorded their exercise class attendance using a logbook over a four-month period. Results highlighted in-group affect as a significant predictor of exercise class adherence, meaning older adults who reported positive feelings and emotions associated with their exercise class membership were also more likely to attend class across time.

The association between family structure and adolescent physical activity levels: a systematic review

BackgroundAdolescent physical activity is influenced by biological, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors; however, no systematic review to date has explicitly explored the effect of family structure. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesise evidence for the effect of family structure on adolescent physical activity levels. MethodsWe searched six databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Sociological Abstracts. Search terms used included “adolescence”, “family structure”, and “physical activity”. The search was limited to peer-reviewed studies with a quantitative component published from Jan 1, 2010, to Feb 8, 2022, with no restrictions imposed on the language, country, and year the data were collected. Studies looking at adolescents aged 10–19 years and any association between family structure and physical activity levels were included. Screening of studies occurred in duplicate. Data were extracted and study quality was assessed (in duplicate) before narrative synthesis, which followed the SWiM guidelines. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42020221090. FindingsIn total, 30 studies met the inclusion criteria: 17 (57%) looked at global physical activity and 13 (43%) at leisure physical activity and sport participation. 29 (97%) of 30 studies used a cross-sectional study design and 27 (90%) assessed the outcome through a survey, with 16 (53%) reporting a significant association between family structure and adolescent physical activity. Ten (33%) of 30 studies used multivariable regression; in these studies, nuclear family structure was shown to be associated with higher physical activity levels in eight (27%) studies, of which seven were good quality studies, looking at middle adolescent in high-income countries. Two (7%) of 30 studies reported the opposite effect, with one looking at a disadvantaged sample and the other at physical exercise class attendance and active transport. InterpretationImproving our understanding of social determinants of adolescent physical activity levels could help inform strategies to promote healthier behaviour. Current evidence suggests that adolescents in nuclear families engage in more physical activity, however robust high-quality longitudinal studies are required to further investigate the long-term effect. FundingNone.

Repeated exercise class attendance: The role of class members' similarity and social identification

Understanding the malleable factors that underpin people’s ongoing commitment to specific forms of exercise is crucial to facilitate more effective efforts to improve participation rates. To this end, we examined the role of (a) perceiving the members of one’s exercise class to be similar to each other on various dimensions, and (b) possessing a strong social identity as an exercise class member in shaping one’s future participation in that class. During a 3-week intensive sampling period, 779 unique responses were obtained from 278 attendees (who were invited to complete a questionnaire on each occasion they attended an exercise class). On each questionnaire, participants indicated their perceptions of class members’ similarity and their own social identification in relation to the exercise class they had just participated in. Participation was conceptualised as attendance at the same class (i.e., same time and type) the following week and was measured objectively using the fitness facility’s electronic class attendance records. Linear multilevel models showed that participants identified more strongly as members of exercise classes in which they perceived that their fellow attendees were similar to each other: both in general, and in terms of age, physical fitness, and their attitude towards the class. Participants also tended to be more likely to attend a given exercise class the following week to the extent that they reported a strong sense of social identification as a member of that class. These relationships were replicated in a multilevel mediation model, which revealed a significant indirect effect of similarity on class attendance through social identification. Results point to the role that social identification can play in promoting repeated exercise participation and indicate that one way to facilitate exercisers’ greater social identification might be to purposefully create exercise classes and groups comprised of relatively homogenous individuals.

Combining a Lottery Incentive with Protection against Losing the Lottery Improves Exercise Adherence

Two common incentives for participating in exercise programs are cash rewards for meeting goals and the loss of deposited money when goals are missed. Direct cash rewards lead to higher enrollment, but the risk of losing money is a stronger motivator for sticking with a program. We conducted an experiment using loss protection to leverage the power of both approaches. Participants were offered two exercise classes a week for 12 weeks. Anyone who attended the first weekly class received a chance to play a lottery that was very likely to pay a cash reward, but they also faced a low risk of not winning any money. Participants in the loss-protection group could insure against the loss by also attending the second class of the week. Participants in the control group could earn the equivalent money by likewise attending the second class, but the incentive was a straight reward for class participation (a flat payment), not as loss protection. For any weekly pattern of attendance, expected earnings were the same in both groups. We randomly assigned 153 participants to either the loss-protection or the control group. The loss-protection framing resulted in greater exercise class attendance, suggesting that the approach could enhance the outcomes of reward-based programs without increasing program costs.

Will ‘we’ continue to exercise? The associations between group identification, identity leadership, and relational identification on group exercise class adherence

The present study sought to provide support for the roles of both the social identity approach (group identification and identity leadership) and relational identification in adherence to group exercise classes. One hundred and twenty U.K. based group exercise class attendees completed an online survey in a cross-sectional design. Group identification, perceptions of identity leadership behaviour, and relational identification were not significantly associated with length of class attendance. However, both identity leadership behaviour of the class instructor and ingroup affect (measured as an element of multi-dimensional group identification), were significantly associated with expected likelihood of continued class participation. For every 1 unit increase in the identity leadership and in-group affect measures respectively, participants were 1.9 and 2.0 times more likely to be ‘at or near 100%’ likely to continue vs not. Social identity variables were not associated with how long exercisers had been attending class, but identity leadership and ingroup affect are positive influencers of expected future adherence. Further research into the social identity approach and identity leadership behaviour regards exercise class attendance tenure vs volume is warranted and is likely to benefit from the use of multi-dimensional group identification measures.

Combining a lottery incentive with protection against losing the lottery improves exercise adherence

Two common incentives for participating in exercise programs are cash rewards for meeting goals and the loss of deposited money when goals are missed. Direct cash rewards lead to higher enrollment, but the risk of losing money is a stronger motivator for sticking with a program. We conducted an experiment using loss protection to leverage the power of both approaches. Participants were offered two exercise classes a week for 12 weeks. Anyone who attended the first weekly class received a chance to play a lottery that was very likely to pay a cash reward, but they also faced a low risk of not winning any money. Participants in the loss-protection group could insure against the loss by also attending the second class of the week. Participants in the control group could earn the equivalent money by likewise attending the second class, but the incentive was a straight reward for class participation (a flat payment), not as loss protection. For any weekly pattern of attendance, expected earnings were the same in both groups. We randomly assigned 153 participants to either the loss-protection or the control group. The loss-protection framing resulted in greater exercise class attendance, suggesting that the approach could enhance the outcomes of reward-based programs without increasing program costs.

Exercise and perceived quality of life among frail older adults

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the association between level of physical activity (PA) and perception of quality of life (QOL) and physical health in frail and non-frail older adults.Design/methodology/approachVolunteer participants in this quantitative cross-sectional study were a convenience sample of 236 independent residents (120 frail, 116 non-frail) in an assisted living facility in Israel. Frailty was measured by Fried et al.’s phenotype; QOL and physical health were measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. PA level was ascertained from attendance lists completed by exercise class instructors in each class during the eight-week study.FindingsFrail older adults who engaged in regular PA (at least 2.5 h/week) reported the same physical health as non-frail older individuals performing a similar level.Research limitationsUnsupervised PA performed independently was not taken into consideration; exercise class attendance may be a less reliable criterion of PA than collection of objective data, i.e. calories burned; participants were selected from an economically homogeneous population of a specific assisted living facility with easy access to a variety of PA.Practical implicationsThe level of PA performed by frail older adults impacts their perceived QOL and physical health. The logs were an incentive to attend PA classes.Originality/valueA minimum of 2.5 h a week of regular PA can be a protective factor that improves perceived QOL and physical health in frail older adults.

Factors Associated With Ongoing Participation in Structured Exercise Among People Aged 50 Years and Older.

To document the characteristics of participants aged 50 years and older in a local government group exercise program (Strong Seniors), to investigate the motivators and barriers to ongoing exercise, and to identify factors associated with more frequent exercise class attendance. Ninety-three participants completed a survey about exercise class attendance, motivators and barriers to participation, and exercise perceptions and self-reported exercise. The authors conducted a mixed-methods study involving both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Personal benefits of exercise and social influences were the most common motivators for regular exercise. Barriers to participation included health problems and lack of time (competing priorities). A higher score on the perceived exercise benefits scale is the only factor associated with a higher frequency of attendance at Strong Seniors classes. Exercise programs for people aged 50 years and older that emphasize associated health benefits and promote social support may be more likely to facilitate long-term attendance.

Putting the ‘we’ into workout: The association of identity leadership with exercise class attendance and effort, and the mediating role of group identification and comfort

This research examined how identity leadership displayed by group exercise instructors is associated with exercisers’ class attendance and in-class effort. Group exercise participants assessed their instructors’ engagement in identity leadership at baseline before indicating their comfort in the exercise environment, identification with the exercise group, class attendance, and in-class effort four weeks later. Results indicated positive associations between instructors’ identity leadership and exercisers’ group identification and comfort in the exercise environment four weeks later. Furthermore, results provided evidence of indirect effects. First, identity leadership was associated with members’ more frequent class attendance through their stronger group identification. Second, identity leadership was associated with members’ greater in-class effort through (a) their stronger group identification, and (b) their greater comfort. These relationships remained significant when accounting for the effect of established motivational predictors (i.e., competence and autonomy). These results point to the role that instructors’ leadership plays in promoting physical activity by suggesting that instructors’ engagement in identity leadership is associated with exercisers’ group-related experiences which, in turn, are a basis for group exercise participation.

Tai Chi for older adults with chronic multisite pain: a randomized controlled pilot study.

Chronic pain is associated with poorer cognition and mobility, and fall risk in older adults. To investigate the feasibility of a randomized controlledtrial of mind-body exercise (Tai Chi) versus light physical exercise in older adults with multisite pain. Adults aged ≥ 65years with multisite pain who reported falling in the past year or current use of an assistive device were recruited from Boston area communities. Participants were randomized to either a Tai Chi or a light physical exercise program, offered twice weekly for 12weeks. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included pain characteristics, cognition, physical function, gait mobility, fear of falling, and fall rate. Of 176 adults screened, 85 were eligible, and 54 consented and enrolled (average age 75 ± 8years; 96.30% white; 75.93% female). The dropout rate was 18% for Tai Chi and 12% for light physical exercise. For those completing the study, exercise class attendance ratewas 76% for Tai Chi and 82% for light physical exercise. There were no significant group differences in most secondary outcomes. Tai Chi significantly lowered pain severity (4.58 ± 1.73 to 3.73 ± 1.79, p < 0.01) and pain interference (4.20 ± 2.53 to 3.16 ± 2.28, p < 0.05), reduced fear of falling (90.82 ± 9.59to96.84 ± 10.67, p < 0.05), and improved several single-task and dual-task gait variables, while light physical exercise did not change these measures. This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a larger randomized controlled trial in older adults with multisite pain. Study findings and challenges encountered will inform future research.

Feasibility of a multi-modal exercise program on cognition in older adults with Type 2 diabetes \u2013 a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundType 2 Diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased risk of dementia. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of exercise on cognition and brain structure in people with T2D.MethodsA 6-month pilot parallel RCT of a progressive aerobic- and resistance-training program versus a gentle movement control group in people with T2D aged 50–75 years (n = 50) at the University of Tasmania, Australia. Assessors were blinded to group allocation. Brain volume (total, white matter, hippocampus), cortical thickness and white matter microstructure (fractional anisotrophy and mean diffusivity) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging, and cognition using a battery of neuropsychological tests. Study design was assessed by any changes (during the pilot or recommended) to the protocol, recruitment by numbers screened and time to enrol 50 participants; randomisation by similarity of characteristics in groups at baseline, adherence by exercise class attendance; safety by number and description of adverse events and retention by numbers withdrawn.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 66.2 (SD 4.9) years and 48% were women. There were no changes to the design during the study. A total of 114 people were screened for eligibility, with 50 participants with T2D enrolled over 8 months. Forty-seven participants (94%) completed the study (23 of 24 controls; 24 of 26 in the intervention group). Baseline characteristics were reasonably balanced between groups. Exercise class attendance was 79% for the intervention and 75% for the control group. There were 6 serious adverse events assessed as not or unlikely to be due to the intervention. Effect sizes for each outcome variable are provided.ConclusionThis study supports the feasibility of a large scale RCT to test the benefits of multi-modal exercise to prevent cognitive decline in people with T2D. Design changes to the future trial are provided.Trial registrationANZCTR 12614000222640; Registered 3/3/2014; First participant enrolled 26/6/2014, study screening commenced 1/9/2014; Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry.

Larger Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Volume Predicts Better Exercise Adherence Among Older Women: Evidence From Two Exercise Training Studies.

Recent research has suggested an important role of lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC) in consistent implementation of positive health behaviors and avoidance of negative health behaviors. We examined whether gray matter volume in the lPFC prospectively predicts exercise class attendance among older women (n = 122) who underwent either a 52-week or 26-week exercise training intervention. Structural magnetic resonance imaging determined gray matter volume at baseline. Independent of intracranial volume, age, education, body composition, mobility, depressive symptoms, and general cognitive functioning, larger lPFC volume predicted greater exercise class attendance (all p values < .05). Follow-up whole-brain analyses further confirmed that regions in the lPFC-especially the left middle frontal gyrus (p < .005)-predicted future exercise adherence as well as identified other regions, especially in the insula and temporal cortex, that predicted exercise adherence. These findings suggest that sustained engagement in exercise training might rely in part on functions of the lPFC and that lPFC volume might be a reasonable proxy for such functions.

Moderators of intervention dose effects on diet quality and physical activity changes in a church-based, multicomponent, lifestyle study: Delta Body and Soul III.

Many community-based lifestyle interventions targeting African Americans have reported positive effects on participants' dietary choices and physical activity habits. However, these effects vary and not all participants will have outcome changes. Moderation analysis can help explain differential effects observed, but are not often reported. Hence, the objective of this secondary analysis was to explore potential moderators of intervention dose effects on diet quality and physical activity outcomes in an effective lifestyle intervention. Delta Body and Soul III, conducted from 2011 to 2012, was a 6-month, church-based, multicomponent, educational intervention designed to improve diet quality and increase physical activity in rural Southern African American adults. Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine associations among indicators of intervention dose received by participants, potential moderators and health outcome changes. Results indicated only three baseline characteristics-employment status, food shopping frequency and individual with primary responsibility for meal preparation-moderated the effects of education session attendance on diet quality changes. No evidence for moderation of exercise class attendance effects on physical activity changes was found. Thus, this culturally targeted, multicomponent lifestyle intervention did induce positive health changes in participants with a range of sociodemographic characteristics and food shopping and eating behaviors.

Feasibility of Pairing Behavioral Activation With Exercise for Women With Type 2 Diabetes and Depression: The Get It Study Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Major depressive disorder is often comorbid with diabetes and associated with worse glycemic control. Exercise improves glycemic control and depression, and thus could be a parsimonious intervention for patients with comorbid diabetes and major depression. Because patients with diabetes and comorbid depression are often sedentary and lack motivation to exercise, we developed a group exercise intervention that integrates strategies from behavioral activation therapy for depression to increase motivation for and enjoyment of exercise. We conducted a 6-month pilot randomized controlled trial to test the feasibility of the behavioral activation exercise intervention (EX) for women with diabetes and depression. Of the 715 individuals who contacted us about the study, 29 participants were randomized to the EX condition or an enhanced usual care condition (EUC), which represents 4.1% of participants who initially contacted us. Inclusion criteria made recruitment challenging and limits the feasibility of recruiting women with diabetes and depression for a larger trial of the intervention. Retention was 96.5% and 86.2% at 3 and 6months. Participants reported high treatment acceptability; use of behavioral activation strategies and exercise class attendance was acceptable. No condition differences were observed for glycemic control, depressive symptoms, and physical activity, though depressive symptoms and self-reported physical activity improved over time. Compared to participants in the EUC condition, participants in the EX condition reported greater exercise enjoyment and no increase in avoidance behavior over time. Using behavioral activation strategies to increase exercise is feasible in a group exercise setting. However, whether these strategies can be delivered in a less intensive manner to a broader population of sedentary adults, for greater initiation and maintenance of physical activity, deserves further study.

Engagement indicators predict health changes in a lifestyle intervention.

To evaluate the utility of several participant engagement indicators for predicting health changes in a church-based lifestyle intervention shown effective for improving dietary, physical activity, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive indicators were constructed using 2 participant engagement measures - education session attendance (EDA) and exercise class attendance (EXA) - separately and combined. Relationships of 6 engagement indicators to health outcomes were tested using generalized linear mixed models. EDA predicted 5 dietary and 1 clinical outcome, whereas EXA predicted one physical activity and one clinical outcome. The combined indicator predicted the same 7 outcomes. Use of single engagement indicators specific to each intervention component is advocated for predicting relevant health outcome.

Impact of Tai-Chi on Falls Among Preclinically Disabled Older People. A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of tai-chi in preventing falls among community-dwelling older people. DesignMultisite parallel group individually randomized controlled trial. SettingMelbourne, Australia. ParticipantsPreclinically disabled community-dwelling people 70 + years (n = 503), without major medical conditions or moderate to severe cognitive impairment. InterventionSixty-minute modified Sun style tai-chi group-based exercise program twice weekly for 48 weeks; control intervention was a seated group-based flexibility exercise program of the same dose. MeasurementsAll falls, self-reported using a monthly calendar, analyzed at 24 weeks and 48 weeks. Injurious falls reported in follow-up telephone interviews for each reported fall. ResultsThe adjusted fall incidence rate ratios at 24 and 48 weeks were 1.08 [(95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64–1.81)], and 1.12 (95% CI 0.75–1.67), respectively. A higher proportion of intervention participants ceased attendance in the first 24 weeks (difference 17.9%, 95% CI 9.6–25.8), and the second 24 weeks (2.7%, 95% CI −5.0 to 10.4). Intervention participants who ceased attendance had lower left quadriceps strength (difference 3.3 kg 95% CI 0.15–6.36) and required longer to complete the timed up and go test (difference 1.7 seconds 95% CI 0.22–3.17) at baseline. ConclusionsThis study does not support modified Sun style tai-chi as a falls prevention measure among relatively well community-dwelling older people with modified mobility and at increased risk of disability. Insufficient intervention intensity, or low exercise class attendance may have contributed to the lack of effect, as may have attrition bias among the intervention group.

Group Cohesion, Achievement Motivation, and Motivational Outcomes among Female College Students

Embedded in the theory of group cohesion and the expectancy-value model of achievement choice, the purpose of this study was to examine the predictive strengths of group cohesion on students’ motivation (expectancy-related beliefs and subjective task values) and motivational outcomes (exercise choice and class attendance) in college physical activity classes. Participants were 121 females enrolled in aerobics classes who completed questionnaires assessing group cohesion, motivational constructs, and exercise choice. Group cohesion constructs were significantly associated with motivation and motivational outcomes. These findings provide insight into how to design environments to promote motivation in physical activity classes.

82 Investigating physical activity levels of lung cancer patients pre-intervention and feasibility of exercise class attendance post-intervention

82 Investigating physical activity levels of lung cancer patients pre-intervention and feasibility of exercise class attendance post-intervention

Weight Change During Diet Exercise Interventions Among Overweight Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Chart Review

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare weight change between clinical and participants enrolled in a 24-week dietary counselling and supervised exercise program at a cardiac rehabilitation centre. METHODS For the period between January 2003 and December 2004, the following data were abstracted from clinic/trial charts: weight (baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks), age, sex, use of antihyperglycemic medication, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), fitness level and exercise class attendance. Weight change over 24 weeks, expressed as a percentage of baseline weight, was compared between groups in unadjusted and adjusted models. RESULTS Trial (n=18) and Program (n=18) participants were similar in terms of age, obesity, fitness and A1C. The proportion of women was somewhat lower in the Program group, and fewer Program participants reported the use of antihyperglycemic medication. Program participants attended a nonsignificantly higher number of exercise classes (45 vs. 39 sessions) and demonstrated significantly greater weight change (− 4.2% [SD 3.5] vs. -1.4% [SD 2.8], p=0.05) not explained by other measured variables. CONCLUSIONS Weight loss by Program participants suggests that a 24-week diet and exercise program may potentially achieve more weight loss than suggested by our original clinical trial. Possible reasons for between-group differences are discussed.