Promoting Strength Training Among Baby Boomers: Message Framing Effects on Motivation and Behavior
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Promoting Strength Training Among Baby Boomers: Message Framing Effects on Motivation and Behavior Emily L. Mailey1 · Rebecca Gasper1 · Deirdre Dlugonski2 · Gina M. Besenyi1 Accepted: 16 October 2020 © International Society of Behavioral Medicine 2020
Abstract Background Regular participation in strength training significantly enhances older adults’ physical and functional health, yet only 14% of adults over age 50 report engaging in strength training at least twice per week. Exercise messages about why and how older adults should engage in strength training could influence their perceptions of and participation in the behavior. This study was designed to promote strength training among adults aged 50–70 and to determine whether the message frame accompanying a brief workout would have an impact on participants’ motivation, self-efficacy, and/or physical activity behavior. Methods Participants (N = 308) were randomly assigned to one of four message conditions: Easy Intrinsic, Hard Intrinsic, Easy Extrinsic, or Hard Extrinsic. Immediately after completing baseline measures of motivation and physical activity, participants received the recommended strength training workout and corresponding motivational message. They completed follow-up measures of motivation and physical activity 2 weeks later. Results Controlled regulation was higher at follow-up among participants exposed to an extrinsic message relative to an intrinsic message (F(3,208) = 3.08, p = .03). Strength training (Z = − 5.95, p 50 demonstrated that when done regularly, strength or resistance training can build muscle mass, preserve bone density, and ultimately contribute to reduced functional limitations, which allows individuals to maintain independent function as they age [10]. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests resistance training may improve cardiometabolic outcomes (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting blood glucose) in healthy adults over 40 years old [11]. In spite of these benefits, only about 14% of adults over age 50 report engaging in strength training the recommended two or more times per week [12]. Middle-aged and older adults report numerous physical activity barriers. Some of these barriers are a function of the built or natural environment (e.g., lack of safe places to be active, bad weather), or of time constraints due to work and/or family responsibilities [13]. However, many of the barriers reported by older individuals relate to their perceptions of physical activity and/or their perceptions of their own capabilities. For example, older adults with limited past physical activity experience may lack confidence to start exercising or may even believe physical activity could be harmful to them [14, 15]. They may also view physical activity as boring, or a less enjoyable alternative to other more important or interesting activities [16, 17]. Some studies have even found older adults believe age-related declines in strength are inevitable, and thus, activities such as strength training at the gym a
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