A Protection Motivation Theory Approach to Understanding How Fear of Falling Affects Physical Activity Determinants in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study applied an extended Protection Motivation Theory to investigate the relative importance of fear of falling (FoF) among motivational and intentional determinants of physical activity (PA) behavior. METHODS: Older U.S. adults (N = 667, 65+) were surveyed using online research panels and completed measures of self-efficacy and response efficacy (coping appraisal), perceived vulnerability and perceived severity (threat appraisal), FoF, autonomous motivation, intention, physical health, and past PA level. RESULTS: Our structural equation model showed that past PA level and health predicted intention via cognitive constructs. PA and health predicted FoF and motivation via threat and coping appraisal. FoF did not directly predict intention. DISCUSSION: Results from this sample provide support for the predictive effects of threat appraisal on fear. However, findings suggest that FoF may not be of great importance for the formation of PA intention compared with an established habit of being physically active and a subsequently fostered coping appraisal and motivation.

Predicting Decisional Determinants of Physical Activity Among Older Adults: An Integrated Behavior Approach.

ObjectivesThe present study applied the Integrated Behavior Change Model to investigate how behavioral decisions are predicted, namely, intention, planning, and habits, with respect to physical activity. Methods: Participants were older adults (ages 65+) residing in the U.S. (N = 667) who completed online measures of behavioral determinants (autonomous motivation, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, attitudes, intention, habit, and consistency), in addition to past behavior. Results: A structural equation model revealed that intention was predicted by past behavior and social-cognitive determinants. Social cognitive determinants mediated between past behavior and habit, as well as between autonomous motivation and habit. Intention mediated between past behavior and planning. Discussion: This study highlights the importance of multiple processes (social cognitive, habit/automatic, and post-intentional/planning) that formulate physical activity intentions. Mediation pathways revealed the importance of autonomous motivation for establishing intentions and habit. Facilitating these processes among older adults could be effective for promoting physical activity.

Differences and similarities of physical activity determinants between older adults who have and have not experienced a fall: Testing an extended health belief model.

PURPOSE: Experiencing a fall can be a detrimental experience for older adults and may affect an individual's beliefs about participating in future physical activity (PA) behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify if determinants of PA differ between older adults who have a history of a fall (HF) and those with no history of a fall (NHF) within the Health Belief Model (HBM), expanded through the constructs of intention and habit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants (N = 667) were community-dwelling older adults who completed online measures of original HBM determinants (beliefs, barriers, self-efficacy, cues, and perceived threat variables) related to participating in PA in addition to past PA behavior and intention. RESULTS: Novel findings include perceived barriers significantly predicted intention to participate in PA among those with a HF but not among those with NHF, and past PA behavior predicted decreased perceived threat of falling among both groups. The model also supported cues to predict physical activity habit. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived barriers (time constraints and bodily pain) deterred PA intentions among those with a HF, suggesting the importance of intervention planning to reduce/resolve these barriers for this group. Past PA was negatively associated with perceived threat of falling, which signposts the importance of providing a safe environment for older adults to engage in PA. The study also provides formative notes for interpreting and further investigating perceived threat and its antecedents (susceptibility and seriousness) in addition to cues, which generally have been omitted in previous studies that employ the HBM.