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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Published on: November 8, 2013
Social-cognitive predictors of physical exercise adherence: three longitudinal studies in rehabilitation
Ralf Schwarzer1, Aleksandra Luszczynska, Jochen P Ziegelmann
1epartment of Psychology, Free University of Berlin, Germany. health@zedat.fu-berlin.de
Objective:
Levels of physical exercise adherence are not predicted well by behavioral intentions. Therefore, action planning and recovery self-efficacy were specified as proximal predictors to bridge the gap between intentions and adherence. The prediction model was examined in 3 studies with participants who were enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (Study 1, N = 353; Study 2, N = 114) or orthopedic rehabilitation (Study 3, N = 368).
Main Outcome Measure:
Each study included 3 measurement points in time, covering a period between 4 and 12 months. Intentions, planning, self-efficacy, and exercise levels were assessed.
Results:
Structural equation modeling revealed that 1 common model fit all 3 data sets well. Results differed in terms of variance accounted for, but the overall patterns of estimated parameters were similar.
Conclusions:
Although health risk perception appeared to be a negligible factor, action planning and recovery self-efficacy were effective predictors of physical exercise adherence.
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