Enhancing Motivation for Physical Activity to Reduce Falls: A Theory Based Intervention

McMahon, Siobhan K.

Saturday, 29 October 2011

Siobhan K. McMahon, MSN, MPH, GNP-BC
College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
Julie Derenowski Fleury, PhD, FAAN
College of Nursing, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ

Learning Objective 1: After reviewing the poster, learners will describe the theoretical links between the problem being studied the intervention critical inputs, mediating variables, and targeted outcomes.

Learning Objective 2: After reviewing the poster, learners will analyze how potential conceptual and methodological issues may be minimized in this study.

Background and Significance: The growing number of falls and related injuries among older adults continues to be a major public health concern. Physical activity is a proven preventive strategy, yet the majority of older adults have sedentary lifestyles and the rate of falls continues to increase. Research suggests that motivational factors influence the adoption and maintenance of fall-preventive physical activity, yet few interventions have focused on motivational factors. Developing theory-based interventions designed to prevent falls in older adults can contribute meaningfully to stemming the personal and financial costs of falls.

Methods: The wellness motivation theory (WMT) guided the development of the wellness motivation intervention (WMI), based on theoretical program elements: problem definition, critical inputs, mediating processes, expected outcomes, exogenous outcomes, and implementation issues.

Results: The WMI addresses the problem increased risk for falls and related injury among adults above the age of 74 due to decreased motivation for participation in physical activities that build leg strength and balance. Social network support, empowering education, and motivational support are WMI critical inputs that operationalize the key constructs in the WMT. Mediating processes of the WMI include contextual factors and behavioral change processes. The intended outcome of the WMI in this program is to reduce fall risk indicated as increased physical activity behaviors and improved leg strength and balance. Exogenous factors, contextual variables that will influence intervention delivery or outcomes, include: (a) individual biological factors that affect fall risk, function, and comfort; (b) prior experiences with physical activity and motivational interventions; and (c) setting characteristics. Attention to potential implementation issues such as fidelity, dose, and strength will also minimize error.

Conclusions: The WMI focuses on mechanisms that link motivational resources to fall-preventive physical activity, fostering social contextual and other resources to facilitate the behavioral change process.

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