Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine a profile for predicting attrition among older adults involved in a 12-month exercise program. The parent study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The study took place between 2006 and 2009 within a university setting. Older adults (N = 179) completed baseline assessments of functional performance and psychosocial measures. Participants who were randomized, elected to receive treatment, and did not complete the exercise program were considered "dropouts" (n = 35). Those who completed the program (n = 144) were classified as "completers." A latent profile analysis revealed two distinct patterns of memory complaints, self-efficacy to overcome barriers to exercise, balance performance, and stair performance. Dropouts were nearly twice as likely to be members of the profile that exhibited a higher degree of memory complaints, lower self-efficacy for overcoming exercise barriers, poorer single leg balance, and longer times to walk down stairs. The results provide an initial validation of a profile for discriminating between "dropouts" and "completers," one that may have considerable utility for screening older adults prior to study entry.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 489-496 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Prevention Science |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2013 |
Keywords
- Attrition
- Dropout
- Exercise
- Older adults
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health