Dropout from Exercise Programs for Seniors: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

This study examines dropout incidence, moment of dropout, and switching behavior in organized exercise programs for seniors in the Netherlands, as determined in a prospective cohort study (with baseline measurements at the start of the exercise program and follow-up after 6 months; N = 1,725, response rate 73%). Participants were community-living individuals 50+ who participated in different forms of organized exercise programs. The average dropout incidence was 0.15 per 6 months, which is lower than that for the general population. The dropout incidence and the timing of dropout differed substantially between the exercise programs. In total, 31% of people who dropped out of one type of exercise program switched to another type of exercise. The type of program and exercise had a strong effect on differences in this switching behavior. It is recommended that switching behavior be monitored in future studies.Key Words: physical activity, health behavior, health promotion, agingThere is clear evidence of the benefi ts of exercise programs for older adults (American College of Sports Medicine, 1998). Regular physical activity has been associated with a variety of health benefi ts such as improved cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular function and reduction of risk factors associated with chronic disease states. Exercise also plays an important role in enhancing the quality of life of older adults by improving physiological and psychological function, which helps to maintain personal independence and reduces the demand for acute-and chronic-care services (Pate, et al., 1995; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996). It is therefore important to promote exercise participation among older individuals.Dropout from exercise programs is a problem (Carmody, Senner, Malinow, & Matarazzo, 1980;Dishman, 1982;Dishman & Sallis, 1994;Oldridge, 1988) Paterson, 1998;Oldridge, 1982). The available studies generally looked at dropout data for younger adults (i.e., <50 years old), and these might not be representative for older populations (King, Blair, Bild, & Dishman, 1992). Some researchers have suggested that older adults might exercise more consistently because they are more concerned about their health and have more time to exercise than younger adults do (Lee et al., 1996;Oldridge, 1988). In contrast, other researchers have shown that, in community exercise programs, older people are no more compliant than younger people (Ecclestone et al.). Older people might also be more likely to interrupt their exercise programs because the incidence of chronic diseases increases with advancing age. Obstacles to habitual exercise can lead to lapses, defi ned as slight periods of nonparticipation in the exercise program, and ultimately to dropout. In our study, we have defi ned dropout in terms of stopping with a specifi c exercise program, rather than a cessation of all physical activity. To date, only one study (Ecclestone et al., 1998) investigated the behavior of participants in switching from one exercise program to ano...

Adherence to Exercise Programs and Determinants of Maintenance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…Average adherence of older adults to exercise programs is reported to be around 75% ( Van der Bij, Laurant, & Wensing, 2002) but is known to decrease if dropouts are included (Martin & Sinden, 2001). The number of dropouts from the MI-WP in our study sample with MCI was relatively low (13%) and corresponded to dropout from Sportive Walking programs in the Netherlands, available to older adults outside a research setting (Stiggelbout et al, 2005). Most frequently mentioned reasons for dropping out in other studies are illness, pain, and lack of time or being too occupied (Martin & Sinden, 2001), although in our study these were mainly related to physical problems in carrying out the program.…”

“…For those starting with structured exercise, about 10-50% of participants drop out during the first 6 months, with most relapses occurring during the first 3 months (Dishman & Sallis, 1994;Stiggelbout, Hopman-Rock, Tak, Lechner, & Van Mechelen, 2005). Stiggelbout et al (Stiggelbout, Hopman-Rock, Crone, Lechner, & Van Mechelen, 2006;Stiggelbout et al, 2005) evaluated dropout and predictors of maintenance in healthy older adults participating in different types of exercise programs.…”

“…For those starting with structured exercise, about 10-50% of participants drop out during the first 6 months, with most relapses occurring during the first 3 months (Dishman & Sallis, 1994;Stiggelbout, Hopman-Rock, Tak, Lechner, & Van Mechelen, 2005). Stiggelbout et al (Stiggelbout, Hopman-Rock, Crone, Lechner, & Van Mechelen, 2006;Stiggelbout et al, 2005) evaluated dropout and predictors of maintenance in healthy older adults participating in different types of exercise programs. Predictors of maintenance to exercise programs 6 months after the start were having short lapses or no lapses, a high intention to start exercise at baseline, a high perceived quality of the program, and a positive attitude toward exercise and some practical obstacles including bad weather and being bored with the program.…”

Factors Predicting Adherence to 9 Months of Supervised Exercise in Healthy Older Women

“…1,2 Moreover, a myriad of psychosocial factors, such as perceived enjoyment, self-efficacy, and social support are not only key modulating factors for the adoption and adherence to a regimen of regular physical activity among the general population, but among older adults as well. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Less is known, however, about factors affecting adherence specifically to highly structured and supervised exercise training programs. Older persons responding to advertisements for exercise studies may, in fact, represent a healthier and more motivated sample compared with their peers who simply wish to begin a regular program at home or in the community.…”

Estudo comparativo dos efeitos biopsicossociais de dois programas de atividade física para idosas em Moçambique

“…Idosos ativos apresentam uma baixa taxa de desistência com maior destaque para o terceiro e o décimo segundo mês de prática DUNN, 1996;SHEPHARD, 1997). Esses mesmos idosos ativos quando desistem dos programas, 31% deles procuram outro tipo de prática (STIGGELBOUT et al, 2005 ). Mas, como existem poucos programas de AF especificamente oferecidos para idosos, a maior parte dos idosos ativos tem optado facilmente pela inatividade.…”