Physical Activity Adoption to Adherence, Lapse, and Dropout

Abstract

Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, we aimed to explore and identify key motivational processes involved in the transition from a physically inactive to an active lifestyle, and the processes involved in lapse and dropout behavior within a walking program. We implemented a qualitative, longitudinal case study method, using semistructured interviews and theoretical thematic analyses. Fifteen women were interviewed over 10 months and three profiles were generated: (a) nonadherence, (b) lapse/readoption of physical activity, and (c) adherence. Internalization of walking behavior was key to adherence. Satisfaction of the needs for competence and relatedness were central for participation during exercise at the adoption stages, and autonomy was particularly pertinent in facilitating adherence. Those who lapsed and restarted physical activity experienced feelings of autonomy at the point of readoption. Sources of support were driving forces in the adoption and adherence phases.

Perceptions of Group-Based Walks and Strategies to Inform the Development of an Intervention in Retirement Villages: Perspectives of Residents and Village Managers

“…These findings are 17 commensurate with themes identified by Biedenweg, Meischke, Bohl, Hammerback, 18 Williams, Poe, and Phelan (2014; i.e., 'desiring a routine that promotes accountability') in 19 older adults who chose to take part in organized physical activity programs. Incorporating 20 physical activity into one's daily routine was also identified as a strategy facilitating physical 21 activity in another study with older adults residing in long-term care facilities in the US 22 (Phillips & Flesner, 2013).…”

“…Setting attainable goals was suggested by one of the 16 managers as one way of enhancing residents' confidence "…would be the really important 17 thing is that, you know, for elderly, they're attainable goals. They're not gonna be "Right, 18 you have to do 15,000 steps today," 'cause that's not gonna happen. Some might but as long 19 as they're achievable goals, I think it would be useful".…”

“…So it's good to 16 have -particularly when you're talking about a physical activity, because sometimes they 17 can't be bothered. If you got someone coming to pick you up, if your neighbour's walking 18 past to collect you as you go off, it's a little bit harder to say, no. <laughs>".…”

“…16 Walking was welcomed as part of establishing that routine. A male resident (aged 79) spoke 17 of his desire to increase levels of planned structured walking, as the move into the retirement 18 village meant that the opportunities to engage in incidental lifestyle activities had diminished:…”

“…Indeed, according to 18 key health intervention frameworks, in preparing the development of interventions, it is vital 19 to consider perceptions of acceptability, feasibility and usability of a proposed intervention by Audrey, Barker, Bond, Bonell, Hardeman,…Baird, 2015). of participation in physical activities for older adults in long-term care settings (Benjamin,5 Edwards, Ploeg, & Legault, 2014).…”