Motivation and exercise in rural postmenopausal women: A literature review

Most rural Americans are not meeting recommended guidelines for physical activity (PA); rural postmenopausal women (RPMW) have the highest inactivity rates. Self-Determination Theory, a motivational theory which examines the effects of qualitatively different types of motivation is used to conceptualize how RPMW make decisions regarding PA. The purpose of this review is to examine published literature related to motivation and exercise or PA in RPMW. The research questions include (a) what is known about the relationship of motivation to exercise in RPMW; and (b) how have motivation and exercise been measured in RPMW?

An electronic database search resulted in a sample of 251 articles, with an additional 9 articles acquired by scanning reference lists. Search terms included motivation, exercise, rural women, urban women, and PA. Criteria for inclusion were postmenopausal women, primary research published before 2019, reported in English, and taking place in the United States.

Thirteen articles involving RPMW were included. The sample contained four qualitative, eight quantitative, and one mixed-method studies. There is little research regarding motivation and PA in RPMW. Barriers and facilitators to PA have been measured. Motivation was mentioned in two studies but not measured. PA is most often measured with self-report questionnaires.

The decision to be active or sedentary is embedded in motivation. Additional research that objectively measures both motivation and PA in a consistent manner is required to provide a knowledge base regarding motivation and PA behavior in RPMW.