Community-based exercise and self-efficacy in older adults : implications for physical activity engagement
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Meeting name
Sponsors
Date
Journal Title
Format
Thesis
Subject
Abstract
[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/01/2026] Physical activity (PA) is essential for promoting health and well-being among older adults, yet participation levels are low. Community-based exercise programs (CBEPs) have been developed to increase access and engagement; however, the factors that support PA engagement in this context are not well understood. This study used a longitudinal correlational survey design to examine the relationship between exercise self-efficacy, sources of self-efficacy, instructors, and PA behavior among older adults participating in CBEPs. Multilevel modeling was used to examine participant- and instructor-level factors. Post-program exercise self-efficacy significantly predicted post-program PA, b = 10.31, p = .008, where each unit increase in self-efficacy corresponded to approximately 10.31 additional minutes of PA per week. Of the six sources of self-efficacy, performance accomplishments were the only significant predictor (b = 139.43, p = .001). At the instructor level, the exercise self-efficacy model, instructor age was negatively associated with participants' PA frequency (b = -4.57, p = .022), whereas years of experience as a trained instructor positively predicted PA (b = 20.13, p = .020). And for the sources of self-efficacy model instructor variables, again, instructor age (p = .021) and years trained (p = .020) were statistically significant predictors of PA. Frequency of instructor feedback and cross-level interactions were not statistically significant (ps > .05). These findings highlight the importance of exercise self-efficacy, performance accomplishments, and instructor experience in enhancing PA participation among older adults. Understanding these relationships can help with designing effective CBEPs and training for instructors, which can more effectively promote these motivators for PA.
Table of Contents
PubMed ID
Degree
Ph. D.