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Lifetime history of relapse from exercise
J F Sallis1, M F Hovell, C R Hofstetter
1Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, CA 92182.
Addictive Behaviors
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Most people experience exercise relapse multiple times throughout their lives. Injuries are the most common reason for stopping exercise, impacting both current exercisers and non-exercisers.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Behavioral Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous exercise relapse research focused on single relapse episodes after structured programs.
- Understanding lifetime relapse patterns in general populations is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns and determinants of lifetime exercise relapse history.
- To identify common reasons for exercise cessation in a community sample.
Main Methods:
- A mailed survey was administered to 1,811 randomly selected San Diego residents.
- Participants reported the frequency of lifetime exercise relapse (stopping exercise for ≥3 months after ≥6 months of vigorous activity).
- Multiple regression analyses identified correlates of exercise relapse history.
Main Results:
- Approximately 60% reported zero relapses, while 40% reported one or more lifetime relapses.
- Relapse histories were similar for current exercisers and non-exercisers.
- Injuries were the most frequently cited reason for the last relapse across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Cross-sectional surveys may underestimate the prevalence of exercise behavior changes.
- Injuries represent a significant barrier to sustained exercise adherence.
- Lifetime relapse history provides a more comprehensive view of exercise behavior than single episode studies.