Rachel Dean, University of Victoria

Testing the efficacy of the theory of planned behavior to explain strength training in older adults

Muscular strength is needed in order to live independently and carry out activities of daily living. Strength training activity is needed in older age in order to build and maintain muscle mass and strength. Without it, an individual could lose up to 1-1.5% of their muscle mass and strength per year after age 50. Despite the benefits that strength training can provide, few seniors participate in strength training activity. Ms. Rachel Dean studied the reasoning behind training habits for seniors. To understand why so few participate, Ms. Dean conducted interviews with seniors. The questionnaires handed-out addressed three main areas that are included in a behaviour theory called the "theory of planned behaviour". These areas included: attitudes toward the behaviour, social norms about the behaviour, and perceived barriers to doing the behaviour.

The results highlighted areas where interventions could be targeted to help promote strength training among older adults. Specifically, the results suggested that social norms and perceived barriers were areas that should be targeted to help more seniors become involved. For example, in order to address the social norms, strength training should be promoted as an activity for all individuals, not just body builders. Furthermore, to address the perceived barriers, interventions should increase access to "senior friendly" training facilities and equipment, and provide education to seniors about what exercises to do, how to do them, and why they are beneficial.

Ms. Dean's passion for doing research lies in her motivation to help seniors become more physically active. In so doing, she hopes to promote physical activity as a means to a higher quality of life and prolonged independent living. Ms. Dean plans to continue to do research in this area and to promote this message both as a PhD student and one day as a professor. Her dissertation work will build on this research and she aims to develop an intervention program to promote strength training among seniors using the components of the theory of planned behaviour.