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Physical activity, physical function, and stages of change in older adults
Deborah Riebe1, Carol Ewing Garber, Joseph S Rossi
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston 02881, USA. debriebe@uri.edu
Objective:
To characterize physical activity and physical function by stage of change and age in older adults.
Methods:
One thousand two hundred thirty-four individuals completed The Yale physical activity survey (YPAS), stage of change for exercise, and the Up-and-Go physical function test.
Results:
Most subjects were in the maintenance (50.4%) or precontemplation stages (21/0%). YPAS scores were higher and Upand-Go scores were lower as exercise stage increased. Physical activity and physical function scores were lower in older age groups.
Conclusion:
Higher stages were positively associated with physical activity and physical function. Age was a significant moderator variable affecting stage, physical activity, and physical function.
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