In 2013, Wójcicki, et. al., conducted study which is aimed to explore how participating in a 12-month exercise program influenced the perceived importance of physical activity among older adults. The research also sought to examine the relationships between changes in the importance of physical activity and various health-related and psychosocial outcomes.

A total of 179 community-dwelling older adults were recruited for this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either a walking group or a group focused on flexibility, toning, and balance exercises. Assessments of physical, psychological, and cognitive health were conducted at the start, mid-point, and end of the 12-month program.

The study found that involvement in the exercise program led to an increased importance being placed on physical activity by the participants. This positive change was consistent across different exercise types and genders. However, the changes in the perceived importance of physical activity were only linked to improvements in physical health and expectations for exercise outcomes halfway through the intervention.

Notably, by the end of the program, there were no significant associations between changes in the importance of physical activity and the measured health or psychosocial outcomes. This suggests that while the exercise program may have influenced participants’ attitudes towards physical activity, this did not necessarily translate into measurable improvements in the areas assessed.

Regular physical activity participation can enhance how much value individuals place on being active. However, the study indicates that the broader impact of such changes on specific health and psychosocial outcomes is still unclear and needs further investigation.

Reference: Wójcicki, T. R., Szabo, A. N., White, S. M., Mailey, E. L., Kramer, A. F., & McAuley, E. (2013). The perceived importance of physical activity: associations with psychosocial and health-related outcomes. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 10(3), 343-349.