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Self-regulatory processes and exercise adherence in older adults: executive function and self-efficacy effects
Edward McAuley1, Sean P Mullen, Amanda N Szabo
1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, 906 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana IL 61801, USA. emcauley@illinois.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|August 23, 2011
Summary
Enhanced executive function and self-regulatory strategies boost self-efficacy, leading to better exercise adherence in older adults. This highlights the importance of cognitive and behavioral skills for sustained physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Behavioral Science
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Self-efficacy and self-regulatory strategies are linked to physical activity.
- Executive function, including behavioral inhibition and cognitive resource allocation, also correlates with exercise behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if self-efficacy mediates the link between executive function, self-regulatory strategies, and sustained exercise behavior.
- Investigating the role of self-efficacy in the relationship between cognitive control and adherence to exercise programs.
Main Methods:
- 177 older adults (mean age 66.44) underwent assessments of executive function, self-regulatory strategy use, and self-efficacy.
- Adherence was measured by attendance in exercise classes over 11 months following a 1-month intervention.
- Structural equation modeling analyzed the influence of executive function and strategy use on adherence through self-efficacy.
Main Results:
- Executive function elements and strategy use significantly predicted self-efficacy.
- Self-efficacy directly and positively predicted exercise adherence.
- Significant indirect effects were found, with strategy use and executive function influencing adherence via self-efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Higher executive function and self-regulatory strategy use enhance self-efficacy for exercise.
- Improved self-efficacy, driven by cognitive and behavioral factors, results in greater adherence to exercise programs.
- These findings underscore the importance of cognitive and self-management skills for promoting long-term physical activity in older adults.
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