Graduate Program
Kinesiology and Sports Studies
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
Summer 2025
Thesis Director
Carly Wahl
Thesis Committee Member
Maranda Schaljo
Thesis Committee Member
Colleen Kattenbraker
Abstract
Older adults remain the least active population despite the well-known benefits of regular exercise (Beauchamp et al., 2007; Rúa-Alonso et al., 2023). Researchers examining exercise adherence in older adults have determined two modalities of training—individual and group—with individual training being the preferred mode of exercise for older adults (Beauchamp et al., 2007). However, previous research has failed to evaluate the various components of group exercise before making a comparison with individual exercise to determine which form best predicts older adults’ adherence to exercise (Hawley-Hague et al., 2014). As such, the purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of the instructor, age-related characteristics of a group, social support, and program characteristics on group exercise adherence in older adults, so that a proper comparison with individual training can be made to predict exercise adherence. Participants (N = 50) were older adult exercisers participating in Eastern Illinois University’s Adult Fitness Program. Participants within the group fitness classes completed four validated questionnaires related to each of the four group components. Adherence from both individual and group modalities were measured using attendance records. A multiple regression analysis was used to explore which component of group exercise would have the greatest effect on adherence to exercise in older adults. A linear regression model was used to determine which form of exercise (i.e., individual or group) best predicted exercise adherence. Results indicated that when taken together, the component of group exercise did not significantly predict exercise adherence in older adults. However, when examined individually, age-related characteristics of the group significantly predicted adherence. The findings of this research may guide practitioners to focus on individual-specific preferences of exercises to maximize adherence to exercise in older adults.
Recommended Citation
Polk, Brody, "Examining Group Components on Exercise Adherence in Older Adults" (2025). Masters Theses. 5097.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/5097
