Self-reported adherence to the physical activity recommendation and determinants of misperception in older adults

J Aging Phys Act. 2014 Apr;22(2):226-34. doi: 10.1123/japa.2012-0219. Epub 2013 May 22.

Abstract

We aimed to compare self-reported adherence to the physical activity recommendation with accelerometry in older adults and to identify determinants of misperception. The sample included 138 adults age 65-75 yr old participating in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Participants completed a lifestyle questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for one week. More than half (56.8%) of the participants reported to adhere to the physical activity recommendation (in 5-min bouts), however, based on accelerometry, this percentage was only 24.6%. Of those who reported to adhere, 65.3% did not do so based on accelerometry. The misperceivers were older (p < .009), more often female (p = .007), had a poorer walking performance (p = .02), reported a lower social support (p = .04), and tended to have a lower self-efficacy (p = .09) compared with those who correctly perceived their adherence to the recommendation. These results suggest that misperception of adherence to the physical activity recommendation is highly prevalent among specific subgroups of older adults.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chronic Disease / classification
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Patient Compliance / psychology*
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Self Report / classification*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires