title: Older adults with chronic disease: benefits of group-mediated counseling in the promotion of physically active lifestyles.
abstract: In this 12-month trial standard exercise training was compared with a group-mediated cognitive-behavioral (GMCB) intervention with respect to effects on long-term adherence and change in physical function of older adults who were either at risk for or had cardiovascular disease. Participants (147 older men and women) were randomized to the 2 treatments. Outcomes included self-reportedphysical activity, fitness, and self-efficacy. The GMCB treatment produced greater improvements on all outcomes than did standard exercise therapy. Regardless of treatment assignment, men had more favorable change on the study outcomes than did women. Analysis of a self-regulatory process measure in the GMCB group revealed that change in barriers efficacy was related to change in physical activity and fitness. Results suggest that teaching older adults to integrate physical activity into their lives via GMCB leads to better long-term outcomes than standardized exercise therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27109, USA. rejeski@wfu.edu
authors.forename: W Jack
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Rejeski
authors.forename: Lawrence R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Brawley
authors.forename: Walter T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Ambrosius
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Brubaker
authors.forename: Brian C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Focht
authors.forename: Capri G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Foy
authors.forename: Lesley D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy