Predicting Exercise Adherence Research Articles

Prediction of Exercise in Patients Across Various Stages of Bariatric Surgery: A Comparison of the Merits of the Theory of Reasoned Action Versus the Theory of Planned Behavior

Obesity is a world-wide health concern approaching epidemic proportions. Successful long-term treatment involves a combination of bariatric surgery, diet, and exercise. Social cognitive models, such as the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), are among the most commonly tested theories utilized in the prediction of exercise. As exercise is not a completely volitional behavior, it is hypothesized that the TPB is a superior theoretical model for the prediction of exercise intentions and behavior. This study tested validity of the TPB in a sample of bariatric patients and further validated its improvement over the TRA in predicting exercise adherence at different operative stages. Results generally confirmed research hypotheses. Superiority of the TPB model was validated in this sample of bariatric patients, and Perceived Behavioral Control emerged as the single-best predictor of both exercise intentions and self-reported behavior. Finally, results suggested that both subjective norms and attitudes toward exercise played a larger role in the prediction of intention and behavior than previously reported.

Adherence to Exercise Scale for Older Patients (AESOP)

To develop a measure of 3 social cognitive theory constructs (self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and outcome expectancies) for predicting home exercise program (HEP) adherence in older adults after discharge from home health physical therapy. A questionnaire was developed, pilot-tested, and administered to 50 participants (mean age 79.9 years, range 65-91 years) who were being discharged from home health physical therapy on a HEP. Participants also completed the 12-item Short-form Health Survey (SF-12), Mini Mental State Examination, and short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale. Participants reported level of adherence to the HEP at 1 month. There was a strong positive response bias for all 42 items comprising the questionnaire. Two constructs (self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectations) demonstrated test-retest reliability, while the third (outcome expectancies) did not. There was no association between any of the 3 constructs and the 2 scales of the SF-12. Participants' scores on the questionnaire did not predict HEP adherence. While previous studies have shown that questionnaires based on social cognitive theory constructs predict exercise adherence in community-dwelling older adults, the current study did not establish this relationship in older adults after discharge from home health physical therapy. Future research should address scaling issues.

Understanding Exercise and Diet Motivation in Overweight Women Enrolled in a Weight‐Loss Program: A Prospective Study Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs for exercise and diet behavior with women enrolled in a 4‐week weight‐loss program. Sixty‐nine females participated in group exercise 3 times a week and they consumed a low‐calorie diet for 1 month. They completed baseline measures of exercise behavior, demographic variables, and the TPB constructs for exercise and diet at the start of the program. Adherence to the exercise and diet was recorded, along with pre‐ and post‐measurements of body composition. Significant decreases in body mass index, body fat percentage, and circumference measurements occurred from pre‐ to post‐program. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that diet adherence was predicted by intention. However, the TPB constructs failed to predict exercise adherence, exercise intention, and diet intention. These results are discussed in relationship to previous research, and recommendations for future studies with this special population are highlighted.

The contribution of self-efficacy and outcome expectations in the prediction of exercise adherence

The positive contribution of physical activity and exercise to physical and mental health is widely acknowledged. However, participation in sport and exercise is not as high as would be expected. In addition to this, people who start exercising often do not adhere to their exercise programme. This study examined the effectiveness of Bandura's self-efficacy theory to predict exercise adherence. A sample of new members at a gymnasium was assessed on a Physical Self-Efficacy Scale, an Adherence Efficacy Scale and an Outcome Expectancy Scale. The dependent variable, exercise adherence, was assessed by monitoring the intended and actual frequency of visits to the gymnasium. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that physical self-efficacy was a significant predictor of exercise adherence for the total group as well as for the females seperately. For the males adherence efficacy was a significant predictor. The results partly confirm the self-efficacy theory of Bandura and underline the importance of assessing different dimensions of self-efficacy in adherence research. (S. African J. for Research in Sport, Physical Ed. and Recreation: 2003 25 (1): 71-82)

Students’ Participation Styles in Two University Weight Training Classes

The purpose of this study was to describe the participation styles of students enrolled in two basic instruction weight training classes. The students’ participation styles fell somewhere on a continuum between slackin’ and sweatin’. Through the use of class observations and interviews with the students and the instructors, six styles of participation were identified within both of these categories. Four participation styles were revealed in the slackin’ category. These were (a) socializers, (b) manipulators, (c) underachievers, and (d) minimalists. The two styles identified in the sweatin’ category were (a) sidekicks and (b) ex-athletes. The transtheoretical model for behavior modification was used to describe the students’ activity levels in the classes and predict exercise adherence among the twelve participants. Further in-depth studies are needed to assess the state of basic instruction program classes within individual programs and classes throughout the nation.

Predicting Exercise Adherence in Women: The Role of Psychological and Physiological Factors

Background. A large percentage of the normal population does not adhere to a regular exercise program. Little is known about the factors that predict exercise initiation or adherence. This study provides data on the role of psychological, physical, and biological factors in exercise adherence among women. Methods. Twenty-three women participated in a free aerobics program in which they could attend as many exercise sessions as they chose. Psychological and physical measures as well as serum β-endorphin levels pre- and post-exercise were taken and used to predict total number of exercise sessions attended. Results. Endorphin levels did not change as a function of exercise and did not predict the number of sessions attended. Rather, women who were overweight, shorter, had several physical complaints, and felt somewhat anxious were most likely to attend the exercise sessions, and these variables accounted for 73% of the variance in sessions attended. Conclusions. Because psychological and physical discomfort predicted exercise adherence, these results suggest that emphasizing the immediate symptom-relief benefits of exercise might increase initiation and adherence in the general population.