Adherence to a power-type strength training programme in sedentary, middle-aged men and women

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the adherence to a supervised, 22-week power-type strength training programme in middle-aged sedentary men and women. Another objective was to examine and evaluate the reasons for dropping out. A total of 226 voluntary, healthy men and women were recruited to the study. Prior to the intervention, all participants’ health status was examined by a physician, and they were qualified to exercise. Data about employment status, smoking, musculoskeletal symptoms, previous and present physical exercise activity, physical leisure activities, perceived health and fitness, and motives for exercising were collected by using a questionnaire. After the intervention, the subjects were also asked about the main reason for dropping out. Dropping out correlated strongly with unemployment. Smoking predicted low adherence in women. Women aged 50 or over showed a higher exercise attendance rate than women aged under 40 years. Of the unemployed subjects, those who completed the training valued their fitness better than those who dropped out. In women, employment, non-smoking behaviour and older age were associated with high adherence to the training programme. Lack of motivation, lack of time and exercise-induced injuries were given as causes for dropping out. Among the unemployed, good perceived fitness was associated with adherence to the training programme.

• Adherence
• dropout
• power-type strength training
• unemployed