Unexpected effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy on self-reported exercise behaviour and functional outcomes in older adults

Abstract

Background: nearly 61% of older adults do not maintain recommended exercise levels emphasising the need for interventions that promote exercise.

Objectives: to compare self-reported exercise behaviour and functional outcomes over 1 year across three groups of older adults: a cognitive-behavioural therapy group, an attention-control education group and a control group.

Design: randomised intervention.

Setting: community exercise facilities.

Participants: three hundred and thirty-two older adults (mean age = 71.8 ± 5.1 years).

Methods: all three groups received exercise training three times per week for 2 weeks and then one time per week for 8 weeks, during which time the therapy and education groups received their interventions. Blinded data collectors measured follow-up exercise behaviour and functional outcomes at 3-month intervals.

Results: after controlling for previous year exercise behaviour, results showed that relative to the control group, the therapy and education groups increased their strengthening exercises over time (0.05 and 0.06 h/week higher, respectively); only the therapy group's change was significant. Also, relative to the control group, the therapy and education groups significantly reduced their 6-min walking distances over time (-1.6 m, P = 0.030 and -1.5 m, P = 0.026, respectively).

Conclusions: although the therapy group increased their strength training, they reduced their 6-min walking distance.