Date of Award

8-2012

Document Type

Access Controlled Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Dr. Wendy Hurley

Second Advisor

Dale Avers, DPT, PhD

Third Advisor

Dr. Carol Sames

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of knowledge of functional assessment results (KR) on self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) and physical activity behaviors (PAB) among community dwelling older adults enrolled in a community based senior exercise program. Methods: The study design was a pretest/posttest randomized groups design. Twenty-seven participants (76.25 ± 6.71 years, range 65 to 89years) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 13; Mcontrol age = 77.38 ± 7.4 years, range 65 to 89 years) or a treatment group (n=14; Mtreatment age 75.50 = ± 6.4 years, range 66 to 85 years). Baseline measures were established for all participants using the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (used to assess PAB), and Resnick’s 9-item Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (used to assess SEE). Outcome measures (PAB and SEE) were collected from both groups at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. The treatment group received KR at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Comparison of PASE and SEE scores between groups was made using one-way ANOVA. MANOVA was used to test group interactions for SEE and PASE. Results: There was no difference in PASE (p =.812) or SEE (p=.533) between groups at baseline, but both PASE and SEE scores were significantly higher for the treatment group compared to the control group at week 4 [PASE (p = .052) and SEE (p = .008)] and week 8 [PASE (p = .004) and SEE (p = .012)]. There was a significant group and SEE interaction (p < .001) with a greater change in scores from baseline to 8 weeks (Mtreatement = 8.46 vs. Mcontrol = 3.00) as well a significant PASE and group interaction (F = 26.60, p < .001, η2 = .516) with a greater change in scores (Mtreatement =36.99 vs. Mcontrol = 9.20). Conclusion: Providing older adults with KR may positively influence PAB and SEE. Future studies are needed to further examine the possible acute and long-term influences of KR on PAB and SEE.

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