The nurse as exercise leader

Leadership in Physical Activity Groups for Older Adults: A Qualitative Analysis

“…Chemers's conclusions from the general body of literature on leadership seem to generalize to research in the physical activity domain. For example, in the physical activity literature, leadership has been conceptualized as professional expertise (e.g., Bouillon, Desharnais, & Godin, 1987;Gillett et al, 1993;Oldridge, 1977;Shea, 1986), a general influence (e.g., Fridinger, Hammond, & Leonard, 2000;Jacobson & McAuley, 1991), enriched versus bland (e.g., Fox et al, 2000;Turner, Rejeski, & Brawley, 1997), physical characteristics of the leader (e.g., Wininger, 2002), and the ability to provide feedback (e.g., Brawley, Carron, & Widmeyer,1990;Myers, Remers, Widmeyer, & Williams, 1995). The multiple, and distinct, conceptualizations used suggest that there is a need to examine the basic nature of leadership in physical activity groups for older adults and to provide an appropriate framework encompassing the many potential dimensions.…”

Motivating the Well Elderly to Exercise

“…One strategy that has been effective in motivating adherence to a program is the exercise leader. Health professionals who are knowledgeable about exercise, community outreach programs, and the developmental changes that older individuals experience are in an ideal position to develop and lead exercise programs (Gillett et al, 1993). Health professionals who are knowledgeable about exercise, community outreach programs, and the developmental changes that older individuals experience are in an ideal position to develop and lead exercise programs (Gillett et al, 1993).…”

Older Women's Feelings About Exercise and Their Adherence to an Aerobic Regimen Over Time

“…Address correspondence to Dr. Michael Caserta, University of Utah Gerontology Center, 10 S 2000 E Front, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5880. E-mail: mike.caserta@nurs.utah.edu J College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.Older women are often introduced to regular exercise through programs such as community or hospital-based health education classes, where an exercise regimen is prescribed, or through supervised exercise programs, such as aerobic dance or walking clubs (Gillett, White, & Caserta, 1996;Gillett et al, 1993;King, Haskell, Taylor, Kreamer, & DeBusk, 1991). Program features that promote participation include group activities where socialization, support, and a sense of group cohesion and identity are developed, and a sense of comfort is generated from exercising among peers of similar gender, age, and fitness level (Emery & Blumenthal, 1990;Gillett, 1988Gillett, ,1993Henry, 1996;Mayer et al, 1994).…”

“…Comfort is especially important for older overweight women who are reluctant to participate in exercise classes with people they perceive as different from themselves (Gillett, 1988;Knapp, 1988). Attendance also improves when classes are held at convenient times and locations with no or minimal cost, and the instructors are knowledgeable, provide adequate feedback, and are seen as peers with whom the participants can identify (American College of Sports Medicine [ACSM], 1995;Emery & Blumenthal, 1990;Franklin, 1994;Gillett, 1988;Gillett et al, 1993;Henry, 1996;Mayer et al, 1994; Sepsis etal., 1995).Although these features may be applied to a variety of health promotion programs, supervised exercise programs that are time-limited or close-ended (such as those conducted for research studies) can be especially problematic for the participants who become attached to them. Participants in programs where homebased exercise is prescribed can continue to follow the exercise prescription when the program ends; however, participants in supervised exercise programs need…”