Predictors of Increased Physical Activity in the Active for Life Program
Author Information
Author(s): Wilcox Sara, Dowda Marsha, Dunn Andrea, Ory Marcia G., Rheaume Carol, King Abby C.
Primary Institution: University of South Carolina
Hypothesis
The study examines pretest predictors of increased physical activity among participants enrolled in the Active for Life program.
Conclusion
The programs worked especially well for participants most in need, particularly those who were younger and less active at the start.
Supporting Evidence
- Younger participants and those with higher pretest social support showed greater increases in physical activity.
- Participants who were less active at pretest improved the most.
- Older adults over 75 years and those with lower social support did not respond as well.
Takeaway
This study found that older adults who were less active at the beginning of a physical activity program improved the most, showing that the program helped those who needed it the most.
Methodology
Participants from 9 community-based organizations took part in a 6-month telephone-based or a 20-week group-based behavioral physical activity program and completed pretest and posttest surveys.
Potential Biases
Participants who returned posttest surveys differed from those who did not, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study used a quasi-experimental design with no control group, relied on self-reported data, and had lower than ideal posttest response rates.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily older adults aged 50 and older, with a diverse representation of race and ethnicity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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