Stages of behavior change and perceived barriers to physical activity in the elderly living in a medium size city in Brazil

• Autor(a) principal: Brazão, Manuella Colin
• Data de Publicação: 2009
• Outros Autores: Hirayama, Márcio Sussumu, Gobbi, Sebastião, Crispim Nascimento, Carla Manuela, Roseguini, Alex Zelanti
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Motriz (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://www.periodicos.rc.biblioteca.unesp.br/index.php/motriz/article/view/2326
• topic: Atividade Física; Barreiras; Idosos; Comportamento

The aim was to analyze the prevalence of the stages of behavior change (BCS) and the perceived barriers to physical activity in older people residents in a medium size city of Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Seventy-nine older people participated of the study. The BCS was assessed by the Questionnaire of Behavior Chance Stages and those on perception of barriers by the Questionnaire on Barriers to the Practice of Physical Activity in Older People (QBPPAE). Statistical analyses was comprised by the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). Data showed that: a) 64,6% of the older people do not practice physical activity and only 22,8% of them have been practicing it on a regular basis for more than 6 months; b) The most perceived barriers were: “Active enough”, “Too old”; “Need to rest” and; “Disease or injury”; c) The BCS seems modulate significantly the perception of barriers (p < 0.05). We can conclude that: a) most of the older people are in the pre-contemplation, contemplation and preparation stages of the BCS, yet; b) gender influences almost nothing with perception of barriers and; c) the BCS interferes with the type of perceived barriers. Such conclusions support the suggestions that it is necessary to develop specific strategies for different stages of behavior change if it is to minimize the barriers. This may help to find the most effective way to change to more active lifestyle in the elderly.