The Prevalence and Association of Motivational Factors to Exercise in Middle-Aged Sedentary Females: A...

Introduction Middle age is associated with increased sedentary behavior and heightened risk of chronic diseases. Although health benefits motivate physical activity, middle-aged women often face significant barriers to engaging in it. Thus, following the need to promote exercise in this age group, the study aimed to explore the motivational factors and the association of these factors that influence middle-aged females while undertaking physical activity using the Revised Motivation for Physical Activity Measure for Females (RM4-FM) questionnaire. Methodology A total of 123 females aged 30 to 50 years attending the Fitness and Wellness outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care center were enrolled in this cross-sectional study per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The demographic details of the participants were noted along with BMI and comorbidities. Individuals who were unable to comprehend the questionnaire or were already engaged in any form of exercise were excluded from the study. The eligible participants completed a self-administered RM4-FM questionnaire. Results The study reported 61.8% overweight females, followed by 25.2% obese females. The majority of the females, i.e., 32.52%, were diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes mellitus together. Around 56.9% of females were intrinsically motivated for exercise, and 43.1% were extrinsically motivated to exercise as determined by the relative autonomy index (RAI) of the RM4-FM questionnaire. A Pearson's chi-square test of independence reported a statistically insignificant association between comorbidities and factors, as well as between BMI and factors. Conclusion The majority of the females understood the importance of exercise for health benefits clinically, but lacked motivation to comply with physical activity and indulge in an exercise program. Also, the statistically insignificant associations determined that females lack the influence of comorbidities and BMI to adhere to physical activity.