Predicting physical activity in older adults: The theories of reasoned action and planned behavior
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and TPB with perceived functional ability to explain physical activity behavior in an older adult population. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted to survey older individuals (M age = 74.9 years) from a database of individuals receiving retirement benefits from a large Midwestern university. The survey response rate was 59.4%, resulting in a total sample of 310 subjects. The Physical Activity Scale For the Elderly, Physical Functioning Questionnaire, and TRA and TPB measures were used to assess the intention to perform physical activity and self-reported physical activity behavior. The TRA and TPB measures were developed using the procedures recommended by Ajzen and Fishbein (1980). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the TPB accounted for more of the variance in intention (R2 = .59) to engage in physical activity behavior than the TRA (R 2 = .46) (F change = 98.65, p < .0001). Adding perceived functional ability to the TPB model explained significantly more of the variance (R2 = .61) in intention to perform physical activity than the TPB alone (F change = 14.61, p < .0001). The TRA (R 2 = .12) and TPB (R2 = .13) did not differ in ability to explain physical activity behavior (perceived behavioral control was not predictive), but the TPB with the perceived functional ability construct included explained the most variance (R 2 = .21) in predicting self-reported physical activity behavior. As a result, the TPB with perceived functional ability appears to be the best predictor of physical activity behavior. Within the model constructs, attitude was the best predictor of intention to engage in physical activity. However, perceived functional ability was the best predictor of self-reported physical activity behavior and should be included when designing and implementing physical activity programs for older adults.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Black, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Public health|Gerontology|Sports medicine
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