title: The effect of guided relaxation and exercise imagery on self-reported leisure-time exercise behaviors in older adults.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-wk intervention that used guided relaxation and exercise imagery (GREI) to increase self-reported leisure-time exercise behavior among older adults. A total of 93 community-dwelling healthy older adults (age 70.38 ± 8.15 yr, 66 female) were randomly placed in either a placebo control group or an intervention group. The intervention group received instructions to listen to an audio compact disk (CD) containing a GREI program, and the placebo control group received an audio CD that contained 2 relaxation tracks and instructions to listen to music of their choice for 6 wk. Results revealed that listening to a GREI CD for 6 wk significantly increased self-reported leisure-time exercise behaviors (p = .03). Further exploration of GREI and its effects on other psychological variables related to perceived exercise behaviors may substantiate its effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Behavior Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. bangk@upenn.edu
authors.forename: Bang Hyun
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Roberta A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Sachs
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Giacobbi
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Glutting
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D009146:Music; D010919:Placebos; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012650:Self Disclosure
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos