Regular physical activity (PA) helps maintain functional independence and enhances quality of life for older adults. In addition, the ability to perform PA declines with age, and functional ability and PA are inversely associated. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Stage of Change (SOC) have been shown to provide explanatory value in PA research. The purpose of this study was to identify older adults’ determinants of PA and compare them across SOC level.
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 958 older adults (M age 74.8). The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, Physical Functioning Questionnaire, TPB Questionnaire, and SOC measures were used to assess older adults’ self-reported PA, perceived functional ability, health status, and beliefs, attitudes, and intention to perform PA.
Independent sample t-tests results indicated that the greatest significant differences were found between those in Precontemplation (N=76) and Contemplation (N=46) and between the Action (N=41) and Maintenance (N=571) stages. The Precontemplation group had lower subjective norm (p<.001), attitude (p=.001), self-efficacy (p<.001), perceived behavioral control (p<.001) and normative beliefs (p<.001) than the Contemplation group. Those in Maintenance scored higher than the Action group in functional ability (p<.001), PA level (p=.007), attitude (p<.001), health status (p=.006), self-efficacy (p<.001), perceived behavioral control (p<.001), behavioral beliefs (p<.001), and reported fewer physical limitations (p<.001). Interestingly, when comparing Preparation (N=224) and Contemplation, only health (p=.006) and functional ability scores (p<.001) differed between the groups. In addition, Preparation and Action stages were similar as normative beliefs was the only significant variable (p<.001) with family and health care professionals exerting the most influence in PA behavior. Further research is needed to refine the SOC categories. Implications for nursing practice include development and implementation of PA programs for older adults tailored to the determinants of PA.
Session #1223 - Graduate Student Poster Session
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)