Title: The change in motivating factors influencing commencement, adherence and retention to a supervised resistance training programme in previously sedentary post-menopausal women: a prospective cohort study.
Authors: Viljoen, J.E, & Christie, JA.
Journal: BMC Public Health
Date: 2015
Impact Factor: 2.32
Web-link
Why they did it?
The evidence is undeniable, if you have been previously inactive, engaging in regular physical activity and exercise will make you fitter, healthier and happier. But research has also shown that most people do not stay engaged in exercise, and after a short period of activity (usually 6-8 weeks), they more often than not go back to being inactive. Indeed, population surveys show that at any time point, between 50-60% of Australian adults are not sufficiently active for health (defined as at least 150 minutes/week of at least brisk walking). While much research has examined the beneficial health consequences of exercise, less is known about the motivational factors that predict successful engagement in an exercise programs. Moreover, existing studies on exercise motivation have largely been conducted on aerobic exercise, and less is known about the factors that determine engagement in resistance training. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that explain commencement, adherence and retention in a resistance training program.
How they did it?
Thirty four previously inactive and overweigh older females (aged 50-71yrs, mean age =55yrs), participated in a 24-week progressive resistance training study. This training study was led by a qualified fitness instructor and was conducted in small-group sessions, on three non-consecutive days of the week. Detailed information of the exercise protocol can be found on the web-link above. During the 24 week study period, at the following four period points, participants were asked to report what were the key motivating factors: (1) Baseline, motivation to sign up; (2) Just before commencing study, motivation to commit to the study; (3) 12-weeks, motivation to continue; and (4) 6-weeks after; motivation to continue exercise post-intervention. The purpose of the timing of the questions was to examine whether the motivating factors altered pre, during and post-study.
What they found?
Most (76.5%) of the sample attended more than 80% of the exercise sessions. At the baseline phase, most cited that ‘routine’ (60%) and ‘general health’ (50%) were motivating factors. However, during the study participants were more motivated by ‘social cohesion’ (60%) and ‘conscience/loyalty’ (50%). Interestingly, at the end of the study most cited ‘wellness’ (60%), and to a lesser extent ‘weight management’ and ‘enjoyment ‘as the key motivating factors.
Ok, what does this mean to me?
This study showed that motivating factors change during a resistance training intervention. Initially, aspects such as having a routine and improving general health are important, but as the intervention progresses, issues such as social cohesion or belonging to a group become more important. While this was a university-based study, where participants did not pay for the service, trainers should consider the possibility of varying motivating factors that are present when engaging inactive clients.