Exploring differences between gender expressions in exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise in...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Gender expression influences exercise behaviors and psychological outcomes in the general population.
• Exercise is crucial for recovery post-stroke, but psychosocial factors related to gender expression were unexamined.
• Individuals with masculine gender expressions often focus on challenge/enjoyment, while feminine expressions may prioritize external validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations based on gender expression in stroke survivors.
• To determine if gender expression (masculine, feminine, androgynous, undifferentiated) impacts psychosocial factors related to exercise post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-seven stroke survivors completed the Bem Sex-Role Inventory-12 (BSRI-12) for gender expression assessment.
• Exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations were measured using validated scales.
• Analysis of covariance models adjusted for biological sex, age, and time post-stroke.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in exercise self-efficacy were found across gender expression groups (p<0.01).
• Individuals with masculine gender expressions reported higher self-efficacy compared to those with undifferentiated expressions (p<0.01).
• No significant differences in outcome expectations for exercise were observed between gender expression groups.

Conclusions:

• Gender expression is associated with exercise self-efficacy post-stroke, with masculine expressions showing higher efficacy.
• Targeted interventions may be necessary to improve exercise self-efficacy in stroke survivors with undifferentiated gender expressions.
• Clinicians should continue promoting positive exercise expectations across all gender expressions post-stroke.