title: Self-reported factors influencing exercise adherence in overweight women.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intensity-controlled, graded dance exercise and selected components of behavior modification on exercise adherence in overweight middle-aged women. Thirty-eight moderately overweight women, aged 35 to 58, participated in a 16 1/2 week dance exercise program. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) that received intensity-controlled, graded exercise and individual and group reinforcement, or to a control group (n = 18) that exercised at a moderate intensity typical of commercial fitness classes and received no special reinforcement. Before exercise training began and at the completion of 16 1/2 weeks, a structured, open-ended interview was conducted. Ninety-four percent of the women in both groups adhered to the program, an exceptionally high adherence rate for this population. Eight participant-identified factors seemed to have influenced exercise adherence: group homogeneity, carpooling and social networks, pleasurable feelings associated with increased energy and fitness, leader with a health-related background, time limitation of exercise program, commitment to an established goal, desire to change body image, and desire to change health status and improve physical health.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Gillett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003615:Dancing; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006126:Group Processes; D006127:Group Structure; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012944:Social Support