The effect of changes of physical activity on health-related quality of life in community-dwelling elderly: longitudinal study that focuses on mediation of exercise self-efficacy

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine whether exercise self-efficacy (SE) mediated the relationship between the change of physical activity (PA) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: The sample consisted of 49 non-demented community-dwelling older participants. Participants were assessed at baseline (2006) and 7 years later (2013). PA and SE were calculated each change. HRQOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) instrument at follow up, and calculated physical component summary score (PCS) and mental component summary score (MCS). PA was assessed by pedometers, and SE was assessed by the exercise self-efficacy questionnaire. Mediation analysis followed the approach outlined by Baron and Kenny.

Results: In mediation analysis, the mediating effect of SE on the association PCS and PA was observed. However, SE didn’t act as a mediator of the association MCS and PA.

Conclusion: Results of this study suggested that exercise self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between the change of PA and HRQOL with physical health in community-dwelling older adults.