title: Self-regulatory processes and exercise adherence in older adults: executive function and self-efficacy effects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Self-efficacy and the use of self-regulatory strategies are consistently associated with physical activity behavior. Similarly, behavioral inhibition and cognitive resource allocation-indices of executive control function-have also been associated with this health behavior.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that self-efficacy mediates the relationship between self-regulatory processes, such as executive function, and sustained exercise behavior.
  
  
  METHODS
  Older adults (N=177, mean age=66.44 years) completed measures of executive function, self-reported use of self-regulatory strategies, and self-efficacy prior to and during the first month of a 12-month exercise intervention. Percentage of exercise classes attended over the following 11 months was used to represent adherence. Data were collected from 2007 to 2010 and analyzed in 2010-2011. Structural equation models were tested examining the effect of executive function and strategy use on adherence via efficacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  As hypothesized, results showed significant direct effects of two elements of executive function and of strategy use on self-efficacy and of efficacy on adherence. In addition, there were significant indirect effects of strategy use and executive function on adherence via self-efficacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Higher levels of executive function and use of self-regulatory strategies at the start of an exercise program enhance beliefs in exercise capabilities, which in turn leads to greater adherence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, 906 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana IL 61801, USA. emcauley@illinois.edu
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McAuley
authors.forename: Sean P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.forename: Amanda N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Szabo
authors.forename: Siobhan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Wójcicki
authors.forename: Emily L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Mailey
authors.forename: Neha P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Gothe
authors.forename: Erin A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Voss
authors.forename: Kirk
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.forename: Ruchika
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prakash
authors.forename: Arthur F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Kramer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D056344:Executive Function; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013997:Time Factors