Physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers in adults aged 55-74
Abstract
In order to increase the number of older adults physically active enough to
obtain the health benefits of exercise, inactive individuals must firstly be
identified, and attention must then be focused on determinants of exercise
amenable to change.
This study set out to develop self-complete questionnaires for assessing activity
status, and perceived benefits of, and barriers to, physical activity.
Of 1456 questionnaires sent out to a random sample of adults aged 55-74 a
usable return rate of 37.6% (n=548) was achieved. A principal components
analysis of the benefits of physical activity revealed five factors (physical
performance, social, weight control, enjoyment, and psychological), and of the
barriers to physical activity, also five factors (opportunities, physical exertion,
time, limiting health, and support). Alpha internal consistency coefficients for
the 10 factors ranged from 0.64 to 0.92, and test-retest reliability coefficients
from 0.56 to 0.87. A series of one-way ANOVAs revealed that, with the
exception of the benefit weight control, there was a significant gradation in
factor scores between active and inactive subjects as classified by 4-, 9-, and 5-
point activity classification methods.
Validity of the activity classifications was assessed in a subsample of 86
subjects against measures of strength, flexibility, aerobic fitness and objectively
measured physical activity. Active and inactive subjects classified using the 4-
and 9-point questionnaires differed significantly in 1-mile walk time and energy
expenditure estimated by a Caltrac accelerometer. The 5-point questionnaire did
not appear able to differentiate active and inactive subjects. Test-retest reliability
of the questionnaires ranged from 0.62 to 0.73.
The questionnaire developed from this work for measuring perceived benefits
and barriers of older adults can be used in either practical or research settings.
Further work is required to determine the accuracy of the physical activity
questionnaires in identifying low-active individuals in the population.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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