A high proportion of individuals with disabilities remain physically inactive. Therefore, this study (web-based survey) investigated the relationships between the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and physical activity among 224 adults with physical disabilities (M age = 45.4 years, SD = 10.78, females = 71%). Additionally, the most important TTM predictors of the stages of change and physical activity were examined. Standardized self-report scales of the TTM constructs and physical activity were completed. The study findings supported the theorized relationships between the TTM constructs and physical activity. The behavioral and cognitive processes of change distinguished the stages of change. These two constructs and self-efficacy mostly predicted physical activity (R2total = .18). The assessment methodology of the TTM constructs needs to be revisited.
The purpose of this study was to examine attentional biases through visual search patterns of 40 females with high (high-risk for eating disorders) or low (low-risk for eating disorders) levels of drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction while viewing slides depicting ectomorphic, mesomorphic, and endomorphic female body shapes. Participants were outfitted in an eye tracking system, which was used to collect gaze behavior data while viewing the slides. Fixation frequency and duration to five body locations were analyzed through the use of ASL EYENAL software. For the mesomorphic, ectomorphic, and endomorphic slides, the low-risk group looked significantly more often at the leg region than the high-risk group. The low-risk group also gazed significantly longer at the leg region than the high-risk group when viewing the mesomorphic and ectomorphic slides. For the endomorphic slides, the low-risk group focused significantly longer on the midsection than did the high-risk group. The findings suggest avoidance behaviors among the high-risk group that are reflected in their locus of attention, and indicate that negative affect among high-risk individuals may be induced by selective attention to particular environmental cues. An integrative theoretical account emanating from cognitive, social, and behaviorist approaches to understanding attentional biases in body disturbance is used to explain the findings.
The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs for exercise and diet behavior with women enrolled in a 4‐week weight‐loss program. Sixty‐nine females participated in group exercise 3 times a week and they consumed a low‐calorie diet for 1 month. They completed baseline measures of exercise behavior, demographic variables, and the TPB constructs for exercise and diet at the start of the program. Adherence to the exercise and diet was recorded, along with pre‐ and post‐measurements of body composition. Significant decreases in body mass index, body fat percentage, and circumference measurements occurred from pre‐ to post‐program. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that diet adherence was predicted by intention. However, the TPB constructs failed to predict exercise adherence, exercise intention, and diet intention. These results are discussed in relationship to previous research, and recommendations for future studies with this special population are highlighted.
Objectives: Age is associated with deterioration in physical function (PF) and health-related quality of life (HRQL).
Methods:We examined sex differences in the association between PF and HRQL among older adults. One hundred eight adults (ages 60 to 98 years) completed the Continuous Scale-Physical Function Performance test (CS-PFP10), Functional Status Index (FSI), and SF-36. Effects of sex and fitness group on SF-36 scores were examined by using linear and nonparametric techniques. Regression techniques were used to model HRQL indexes with CS-PFP10 and FSI scores.Results: Males had better PF as indicated by higher CS-PFP10 scores and lower FSI scores. CS-PFP scores were positively associated with several SF-36 scores in both males and females, but the strength of the association appeared greatest in males. The residual scores for the females were directly related to self-reported pain.Conclusions: These data are consistent with reports indicating that females report symptoms more often than males and rely more on feelings of discomfort during physical activity in reporting HRQL as compared with males. Thus, researchers designing interventions to enhance health-related quality of life among older adults should be aware of these potential sex differences and aim to improve actual physical functioning in males and the discomforts associated with performance of physical activities in females.
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