Using Ecological Momentary Assessment to Examine Predictors of Motivation for Physical Activity in Older Adults

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) involves repeated assessments of patients' real-time experiences. Smartphone delivery of EMA can monitor healthy behaviors, including physical activity (PA). PA is critical for maintaining mobility and independence in older adults. We aimed to utilize EMA for monitoring motivation for PA, while assessing PA and physical function (PF) as predictors.

We collected 179 EMA responses from 28 community-dwelling older adults (M_age = 72.67±6.55 years, 82.1% female) over one week. Motivation for PA was determined using a single question delivered by a smartphone, PA was monitored using accelerometers, and PF was assessed using dynamic balance (Timed-Up-and-Go) and lower limb power (Sit-to-Stand).

Motivation for PA showed weak correlations with PA (ρ=0.187), dynamic balance (ρ=-0.157) and lower limb power (ρ=0.200). However, mixed effects models revealed that only better dynamic balance (p=0.001) predicted increased motivation.

This study revealed the feasibility of monitoring motivation through mobile delivery of EMA, validating the method for future interventions. Evaluation of motivation can assess older adults' subjective attitudes towards interventions. Additionally, these findings have implications for intervention designs that aim to increase engagement in PA; exercises or methods designed to improve dynamic balance may provide more lasting improvements than focusing on increasing PA alone.