Self-efficacy, self-regulation, and physical activity behavior in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become a major public health priority, especially in older adulthood when disease prevalence rises to ~20%. T2D is related to a host of symptoms and comorbidities including impairments in cognitive function. Despite evidence of the benefits of physical activity to control disease, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life, most individuals with T2D do not meet physical activity recommendations. Physical activity is a complex behavior requiring substantial motivational and cognitive resources, as well as continued perseverance. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms of physical activity behavior in older adults with T2D in light of both social cognitive theory and neurocognitive perspectives. A secondary purpose of this pilot study was to test if an 8-week physical activity intervention targeting self-efficacy and self-regulatory strategy use would increase physical activity levels six months later. Older adults with T2D (Mage = 61.8 ± 6.4) completed either an 8-week exercise intervention (n = 58) or an online metabolic health education course (n = 58). Measures of physical activity, self-efficacy, self-regulatory strategy use, cognitive function, and disease severity were collected at baseline, post-intervention (month two), and follow-up (month six). Overall, the results of this study provide some support for the hypothesized self-regulatory, self-efficacy model for physical activity behavior, highlighting specific executive functions including memory and cognitive flexibility. The intervention was effective in increasing physical activity in older adults with T2D. These results contribute to knowledge of physical activity adherence in older adults with metabolic disease.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Olson, Erin

Contributors dc:contributor

• McAuley, Edward
• Hillman, Charles H.
• Kramer, Arthur F.
• Wilund, Kenneth R.

• diabetes
• physical activity
• older adults
• self-regulation
• self-efficacy

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Erin Olson

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49585

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/49585