Examining Potential Psychosocial Mediators in a Physical Activity Intervention for Older Adults.
Siobhan K McMahon, Beth Lewis, J Michael Oakes and 3 others
PMID 31470769WHAT IT FOUND
Physical activity gains were not shown to be explained by readiness, self-assessment, or goal attainment, although interpersonal strategies raised these ratings in older adults.
Key findings
01Interpersonal behavior-change strategies, added to the common exercise protocol and monitor, significantly increased readiness, self-assessment, and goal attainment immediately post intervention.
02At six-month follow-up, interpersonal strategies produced higher self-assessment and goal attainment ratings.
03Mediation effects of self-assessment and goal attainment on physical activity were positive but not statistically significant.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was planned for intervention effects, not for indirect effects, and the authors state that small sample size limited precision of mediation estimates. All groups received the same exercise protocol and Fitbit monitor, so the contribution of those core components cannot be separated from the behavior-change strategies. The social support survey asked about friends and family, not peers, neighbors, or community groups. Participants were community-dwelling adults aged 70 years or older who could walk, had no recent lower-extremity injury or surgery, and scored above 21 out of 26 on a telephone cognitive screen. The sample was mostly white (75%), mostly female (75%), and 53% lived alone. Self-efficacy was assessed for barriers to recommended exercises, not walking self-efficacy.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that readiness, self-assessment, or goal attainment caused the physical activity changes. The mediation effects were not statistically significant, and the paper does not show a causal mechanism.