EVALUATION OF RELAPSE PREVENTION AND REINFORCEMENT INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE EXERCISE ADHERENCE IN SEDENTARY FEMALES

An experimental design was employed to assess the effectiveness of a r elapse prevention program, a reinforcement program, and an exercise-on ly control group in increasing exercise program adherence and short-te rm maintenance in 120 previously sedentary female university employees . The subjects participated in an 18-week exercise program composed of stretching, calisthenics, and aerobic dance. Attendance during the fi rst half of the program was significantly higher for subjects in the r elapse prevention group than for those in the control group. A nonsign ificant trend in this direction emerged during the second half of the program and at 2-month follow-up. For all treatment groups, attrition (attendance at less than two thirds of the exercise sessions) was subs tantial, averaging 72% at the end of the 18-week program. These findin gs indicate that relapse prevention and reinforcement programs may not assist previously sedentary females in long-term adherence to an exer cise program.