Differential Predictors of Adherence in Exercise Programs with Moderate versus Higher Levels of Intensity and Frequency

Abstract

This study examined whether specific participant characteristics (age, sex, BMI, exercise history, and self-efficacy) differentially predicted adherence to exercise programs of moderate vs. higher levels of intensity and frequency. Sedentary adults (N = 379) were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 design to walk 30 min/day at a frequency of either 3 to 4 days/week or 5 to 7 days/week, at an intensity of either 45–55% or 65–75% of maximum heart rate reserve. Exercise adherence was assessed via daily exercise logs completed during Months 2–6 of the exercise program. The major finding of this study was that participants with higher levels of past exercise showed better adherence to higher intensity exercise but tended to have poorer adherence to moderate intensity exercise. Our results suggest that a person’s previous experience with exercise should be considered when prescribing higher intensity exercise, and that individuals with an extensive exercise history can be prescribed higher intensity exercise.