Response to Physical Activity Programs and Their Effects on Health Behavior

• Published in: Public health reports (1896) 1970-10, Vol.85 (10), p.905-911
• Main Authors: Heinzelmann, Fred, Richard W. Bagley
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitude; Attitude to Health; Behavior; Control groups; Coronary artery disease; Coronary Disease - prevention & control; Desire; Exercise; Family; Feeding Behavior; Habits; Health attitudes; Humans; Job performance; Male; Medical research; Middle Aged; Minnesota; Motivation; Pennsylvania; Physical Exertion; Public health; Self Concept; Sleep; Wisconsin; Wives
• ISSN: 0094-6214
• DOI: 10.2307/4594000

The overall effectiveness of health programs is linked to an understanding of the factors that influence response to such programs and of the kinds of changes in health attitudes and behavior that participation generates. These issues were examined as part of a collaborative research effort that included three pilot studies of programs of supervised physical activity. The programs were made available to sedentary men 45-59 years of age who were considered to be at risk of coronary heart disease. The study sites included a metropolitan community and two university settings; the university settings included both faculty members and service employees. The study groups consisted of 239 men randomly assigned to an exercise program and 142 men randomly assigned to a control group. Program participants were asked to exercise for 1 hour three times a week for 18 months. Research data (medical, physiological, and social-psychological) were obtained from program participants and from members of the control group at regular 3-4 month intervals while the program was in operation. A number of variables influencing the men's response to the physical activity programs were identified and defined; these included a variety of motivational factors as well as the social aspects of physical activity and the attitude of the participant's spouse. Differences were noted between the factors influencing the men's decisions to participate and those affecting their continued adherence to the program. Physical activity was found to influence the participant's attitudes and beliefs, his habits and behavior, and his general self-image. Significant effects were reported on the man's work performance and his attitude toward work, along with such general health effects as feeling in better health, having increased stamina, experiencing a weight reduction, and possessing a greater ability to cope with stress and tension. In addition, the effects of participation were reportedly reflected in behavioral changes relating to the amount of food eaten, the kind of sleep and rest obtained, and the participant's pattern of recreation. These changes were linked to a more positive self-image which served to support the person's thoughts, feelings, and actions.