Effect of psychosocial motivations and technology on physical activity behaviours among community older men and women

Abstract

Background: Implementation of physical activity strategies in older populations may be influenced by underlying psychosocial and gender-based factors to physical activity. We explored associations between these factors and physical activity behaviors and technology among older men and women.

Methods: Community older adults underwent echocardiography and interviewer administered questionnaires that collected physical activity habits, self-motivation, self-empowerment and smartphone usage patterns associated with physical activity. Aerobic capacity was denoted by VO₂max (High VO₂ was defined as VO₂ > 35 (ml/kg/min) for men or VO₂ > 27 (ml/kg/min) for women).

Results: Among 180 participants (mean age 77 (71-80) years; 43% females), 101 (56.1%) had a low VO₂max. Barriers to activity were lack of time (27.8%), tiredness (26.7%), affordability (12.8%) and pain while exercising (12.2%). Compared to participants with high VO₂max, those with low VO₂max were less likely to report feeling good post-exercise (70.3% vs 86.1%, adjusted p = 0.041) and express barriers to exercise (72.3% vs 88.6%, adjusted p = 0.017). Compared to men, women were more likely to express motivation for exercise if they were guided by an instructor (20.5% vs 1.96%, adjusted p = 0.027), less likely to prefer control over exercise type and difficulty (57.7% vs 82.4%, adjusted p = 0.001), express interest in smartphone apps (7.84% vs 24.4%, adjusted p = 0.01) and participate in apps-guided exercise (10.3% vs 29.4%, adjusted p = 0.001). Major factors that motivated the use of smartphone applications to manage individual health were financial incentives (23.9%) and guidance on exercise routines (21.1%) while the reveal of personal information was a major deterrent (28.3%).

Conclusions: We observed differences in physical activity motivation, empowerment and technology use based on gender and functional status. Tailoring physical activity strategies, including digital health strategies, that target psychosocial and gender-based factors may improve activity participation in older adults.

Keywords: Cardiovascular; Digital health; Exercise; Psychosocial.