Influences on Physical Activity in Older Women
Author Information
Author(s): Morris Katherine S, McAuley Edward, Motl Robert W
Primary Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Hypothesis
How do neighborhood satisfaction, functional limitations, and self-efficacy influence physical activity in older women over time?
Conclusion
The study found that neighborhood satisfaction and functional limitations affect physical activity through self-efficacy in older women.
Supporting Evidence
- Changes in neighborhood satisfaction and functional limitations directly affected self-efficacy.
- Increases in self-efficacy were associated with increased physical activity.
- 84% of participants were White, and many reported medical diagnoses.
Takeaway
Older women who feel good about their neighborhood and have fewer physical limitations are more likely to be active because they believe in their ability to exercise.
Methodology
Participants completed measures of neighborhood satisfaction, functional limitations, self-efficacy, and physical activity at baseline and again 6 months later.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting may introduce bias in the assessment of physical activity and neighborhood satisfaction.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and relied on self-reported measures.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older women with a mean age of 69.6 years, predominantly White, with varying levels of education and income.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.23
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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