Learning Objective #1: Discuss the effects of a structured walking program on walking self-efficacy perceptions in healthy midlife women

Learning Objective #2: List two limitations of this study

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This study used a self-efficacy theory based intervention that tested the effect of a leisure-time walking program on walking self-efficacy perceptions. in healthy midlife women between the ages of 30 and 50, who adopted and maintained short-term leisure-time walking behavior. The sample consisted of healthy mid-life women (31) adopters, and (19) maintainers, who participated, in a leisure-time walking intervention study. Instruments used in this study included the following: (1) Walking Self-efficacy Scale (WSES)) and (2) the Center for Research in Chronic Disorders (CRCD) Sociodemographic Profile. Comparison of the scores for walking self-efficacy perceptions at baseline, post intervention and eight weeks post intervention were conducted for women who adopted and women who maintained leisure-time walking behavior. Friedman tests resulted in no significant differences in walking self-efficacy scores for adopters for any of the three time periods. However mean scores were higher at post-intervention (time 2)) and eight weeks post- intervention (time 3) than at baseline. Walking Self-efficacy scores did not show improvement over time for women who adopted leisure-time walking. When comparing walking self-efficacy scores for women who were classified , as maintainers of leisure-time walking, a significant difference was found. Women who maintained leisure-time walking showed significant improvement in walking self-efficacy scores over time. Wilcoxan tests showed that while scores improved over time, the only statistically significant finding was between baseline and post-intervention. There were no statistically significant Wilcoxin test findings between post-intervention and eight -week post –intervention even though mean ranks showed an increase in scores for women who maintained leisure-time walking.

This study was partially supported with funding from Delta Omega Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau