HOME-BASED RESISTANCE TRAINING - PREDICTORS OF PARTICIPATION AND ADHERENCE

This study identified factors associated with exercise participation a nd adherence in a sample of 102 sedentary, functionally limited, commu nity-dwelling adults aged 60 to 94 years who participated in a home-ba sed resistance training program. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that baseline physical factors (i.e., higher levels of mobility, weak er muscle strength, and fewer numbers of new medical conditions) were associated with higher rates of participation in the home program. Pos itive attitudes and a sense of control toward exercise, lower levels o f confusion and depressive moods, and the development of fewer new med ical problems during the program were related to higher levels of adhe rence to the program. Findings revealed that although physical health variables were the primary indicators of an older person's overall par ticipation in the program, it was the psychological factors that were most important to adherence to this home-based program.