Self-regulation and physical activity: the relationship in older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between self-regulation and physical activity (PA) in older adults.


METHODS
A convenience sample (N=284) of older adults (M age=70.4 years) was surveyed.


RESULTS
Multivariate analyses controlling for self-efficacy and socio-demographic variables revealed that using self-regulatory strategies more extensively, being male, and having better self-report health were significantly related to greater PA engagement. Supportive of a social cognitive perspective, results were also consistent with mediation, where self-regulation partially mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and PA.


CONCLUSIONS
Further examination of these relationships using prospective and experimental designs is recommended. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0311, USA. mrumstattd@ches.ua.edu
Michelle Renée
MR
Umstattd
Sara
S
Wilcox
Ruth
R
Saunders
Ken
K
Watkins
Marsha
M
Dowda
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors