Social-cognitive predictors of physical exercise adherence: three longitudinal studies in rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
Levels of physical exercise adherence are not predicted well by behavioral intentions. Therefore, action planning and recovery self-efficacy were specified as proximal predictors to bridge the gap between intentions and adherence. The prediction model was examined in 3 studies with participants who were enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (Study 1, N = 353; Study 2, N = 114) or orthopedic rehabilitation (Study 3, N = 368).


METHODS
Each study included 3 measurement points in time, covering a period between 4 and 12 months. Intentions, planning, self-efficacy, and exercise levels were assessed.


RESULTS
Structural equation modeling revealed that 1 common model fit all 3 data sets well. Results differed in terms of variance accounted for, but the overall patterns of estimated parameters were similar.


CONCLUSIONS
Although health risk perception appeared to be a negligible factor, action planning and recovery self-efficacy were effective predictors of physical exercise adherence.
Schwarzer
Ralf
R
epartment of Psychology, Free University of Berlin, Germany. health@zedat.fu-berlin.de
Luszczynska
Aleksandra
A
Ziegelmann
Jochen P
JP
Scholz
Urte
U
Lippke
Sonia
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011044:Poland; D012046:Rehabilitation; D020377:Self Efficacy