Effect of participation in a behavior modification program on perceived self-efficacy for physical activity

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate perceived self-efficacy for physical activity after participation in a behavior modication program in adults and seniors. This is a pre-experimental study, with no control/ comparison group, of 20 individuals with mean age of 60.5 years (sd= 2.08) who participated in the Active Life Improving Health (VAMOS) program, for three months, with a weekly session of no more than two hours. Sociodemographic data were collected and the self-efficacy perception scale for physical activity was applied. Scores on the instrument range between 0 and 100 points in the pre/post intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics, the paired t-test and the Wilcoxon test were used. There was a significant increase in the mean values of nine self-efficacy scale items: “work” (52,5 vs. 69,0; p= 0,047), “injury recovery” (58,4 vs. 73,6; p= 0,021), “personal problems” (55,0 vs. 74,0; p= 0,005), “physical exercise discomfort” (48,0 vs. 61,5; p= 0,020), “housework” (49,5 vs. 64,0; p= 0,042), “when receiving visitors” (30,5 vs. 56,0; p= 0,031), “goals with physical exercise” (68,5 vs. 81,5; p= 0,022), “during vacation” (63,0 vs. 78,0; p= 0,044) and “commitments” (41,5 vs. 66,5; p<0,001, p<0.001). Moreover, the score increased after the intervention (57,0 ± 16,9vs. 70,4 ± 12,0; p= 0,003). It was concluded that the VAMOS program promoted positive changes in the degree of perceived self-efficacy for physical activity. The strategies used by the VAMOS program are effective in promoting greater self-efficacy for physical activity and may be promising for interventions in the area.