Perceived Competence and Physical Activity in Older Adults

The association between older adults' self-perceived physical competence and continued involvement in physical activity (PA) was examined. Seventy-two older adults (60-79 years) completed the Physical Self Perception Profile (PSPP; Fox and Corbin, 1989) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess the relationship between physical self-perception and various dose responses in PA participation (vigorous, moderate, walking, inactive/sitting levels). Results indicated a positive correlation between all subscales of the PSPP and both moderate exercise and vigorous exercise. In addition, Sport, Body, and Strength were positively correlated with walking. Age (60-69 vs. 70-79 years) and gender, however, were found to modify those relationships. Mann Whitney University tests revealed that participants in the younger grouping were significantly more likely to spend a greater amount of time walking than those in the older adult grouping. Moreover, males were significantly more likely to participate in vigorous exercise and reported a higher perception of sports competence than their female counterparts. The results of this study suggest that perceived competence be assessed during pre-exercise screening in order to customize exercise programs that will increase the likelihood of continued PA engagement.