title: A profile for predicting attrition from exercise in older adults.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine a profile for predicting attrition among older adults involved in a 12-month exercise program. The parent study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The study took place between 2006 and 2009 within a university setting. Older adults (N = 179) completed baseline assessments of functional performance and psychosocial measures. Participants who were randomized, elected to receive treatment, and did not complete the exercise program were considered "dropouts" (n = 35). Those who completed the program (n = 144) were classified as "completers." A latent profile analysis revealed two distinct patterns of memory complaints, self-efficacy to overcome barriers to exercise, balance performance, and stair performance. Dropouts were nearly twice as likely to be members of the profile that exhibited a higher degree of memory complaints, lower self-efficacy for overcoming exercise barriers, poorer single leg balance, and longer times to walk down stairs. The results provide an initial validation of a profile for discriminating between "dropouts" and "completers," one that may have considerable utility for screening older adults prior to study entry.
authors: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Freer Hall 227, 906 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. spmullen@illinois.edu
authors: Sean P
authors: SP
authors: Mullen
authors: Thomas R
authors: TR
authors: Wójcicki
authors: Emily L
authors: EL
authors: Mailey
authors: Amanda N
authors: AN
authors: Szabo
authors: Neha P
authors: NP
authors: Gothe
authors: Erin A
authors: EA
authors: Olson
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: Fanning
authors: Arthur
authors: A
authors: Kramer
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: McAuley
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016037:Single-Blind Method