Influence of resistance training on self-efficacy and other factors in aging adults
Patrick, Sidney
Citations
Abstract
Exercise benefits older adults by decreasing fall risk, maintaining activities of daily living, and lengthening lifespan. Previous studies have shown positive correlations between self-efficacy and exercise; however, more research is needed in older adults. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week, resistance-training program on older adults’ self-efficacy and functional health. METHODS: Twenty older adults (mean age= 62 years ± 8.1) provided voluntary informed consent prior to engaging in the Stay Strong Stay Healthy (SSSH) Program. SSSH includes 8 resistance training movements targeting all major muscle groups during 60-minute sessions, twice weekly for 8 weeks. Functional health assessments including a ten-meter walk test (10mWt), 30-second sit-to-stand (30STS), five times sit-to-stand (5STS), standing medicine ball toss (SMBT), timed-up-and-go (TUG), and sit-and-reach (SnR) were performed pre/post SSSH. Additionally, validated questionnaires on self-efficacy for exercise, falls efficacy, physical activity (min/wk), and sleep quality were completed. Paired t-tests with Bonferroni corrections were used to assess change over time and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated. Pearson correlation was used to observe relationships between self-efficacy and other questionnaire results, α=0.05. RESULTS: Paired t-tests with Bonferroni corrections showed the whole group improved sleep quality, 10mWt without challenge, 30STS (Figure 1-A), SMBT (Figure 1-B), TUG, and SnR (Figure 1-C) over time (all p ≤0.012, d ≥0.3). Further, high self-efficacy scores were positively correlated with total physical activity (r= 0.681, p=0.001) and aerobic activity (r=0.719, p<0.001) and negatively correlated with fear of falling scores (r=-0.529, p=0.016). CONCLUSION: These data reveal that SSSH can improve self-efficacy, physical activity habits, and functional health in older adults, suggesting that the program is efficacious.