Relationships between the Stage of change for exercise behavior and Physical Functions in Elderly Community Residents

Abstract

This study examined elderly community residentsʼphysical functions, exercise behavior, and activities of daily living. Based on their exercise behavior, they were divided into 3 groups: <precontemplation/contemplation>(16.1%), <preparation>(15.7%), and <action/maintenance>(68.3%), to compare physical functions and activities of daily living among them. The <preparation for action> group showed markedly poorer scores in the CS-30, TUG, and 5-m walk (at the maximum velocity) tests than the <action/maintenance> group, while there were no significant differences between the latter and <precontemplation/contemplation> group. <Preparation> group members may have become aware of their declined physical functions during activities of daily living, consequently shifting their stage of behavioral change from <precontemplation/contemplation> to <preparation>. In contrast, <precontemplation/contemplation> group members may have been less motivated to perform exercise activities due to a lack of awareness of their declined physical functions, preventing such a shift. Based on this, the stage of change for exercise behavior may be shifted independently of physical functions.