Does Attraction Toward Physical Activity Predict Physical Activity Behavior in Older Adults?

Abstract

Background/objectives: Few studies have investigated associations between the motivational outcome based on physical activity (PA) affective experiences (i.e., attraction vs. antipathy toward PA) and behavior. This study investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between attraction (vs. antipathy) toward PA and device-based PA in older adults.

Methods: Older adults (n = 139; 71% female, Mage = 70.5) completed assessments of attraction (vs. antipathy) toward PA and 14 days of device-based accelerometry at Times 1 and 2.

Results: Greater attraction toward PA at Time 1 was associated with greater steps (β = 5.31, p < .01) and moderate to vigorous intensity PA (β = 3.08, p < .05) at Time 1. Greater attraction toward PA at Time 1 was not significantly associated with steps or moderate to vigorous intensity PA at Time 2.

Conclusion: Greater emphasis on resultant motivation from PA affective experiences may be useful in promoting PA in older adults. Significance/Implications: In spite of mixed findings in the present study, there is strong evidence that positive affective responses during a single bout of PA play an important role in predicting future engagement. Yet, affective experiences during PA can be individualistic and often influenced by contextual factors. Interventions designed to increase PA should focus on factors that may create positive affective experiences for participants.