Differences in Perceived Barriers to Exercise between High and Low Intenders: Observations among Different Populations

Abstract

Purpose.

The goal of this study was to describe the salient perceived barriers to exercise in three different groups and to examine the perceived barriers characterizing individuals with a high or a low intention to exercise in the context of the theory of planned behavior.

Design.

Cross-sectional studies relating perceived barriers and intention to exercise were utilized.

Subjects.

Three independent samples were used: general population (n=349), individuals who have suffered from coronary heart disease (n=162), and pregnant women (n=139).

Measures.

Firstly, standard elicitation procedures were applied to identify the particular perceived barriers characterizing each population. Then, three self-administered questionnaires, one per sample, were used to measure perceived barriers and intention to exercise.

Results.

MANOVA analyses contrasting high and low intenders indicated a significant difference in perceived barriers to exercise in two of the three samples: general population (F_5,343=6.37, p<.001) and individuals suffering from coronary heart disease (F_9,152=2.28, p<.05).

Conclusion.

The results indicate not only that each population has specific salient perceived barriers to exercise, but also that within each group high and low intenders differ on a number of these perceived barriers. Therefore, it is recommended that the study of perceived barriers to exercise in any population should be based upon a standardized method of measuring these barriers such as the method adopted in the present study.