Features of individual physical activity goals and goal achievement for community-dwelling adults who use long-term care prevention facilities

We examined the degree of goal achievement based on physical activity goal-setting content and investigated the factors that contribute to achieving activity goals.We examined the degree of goal achievement based on physical activity goal-setting content and investigated the factors that contribute to achieving activity goals.

The present study enrolled 47 community-dwelling adults (mean age: 80.0, male: 36.2%) at long-term care prevention facilities. All subjects were provided with accelerometers and engaged in three months of exercise based on set goals. In accordance with the frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT) model, the subjects set goals with a physiotherapist. After a follow-up period, the percentage of goals achieved was calculated. Data were collected concerning subjective levels of goal achievement (assessed using a 7-point Likert scale), subjective degree of activity management implementation (0–10 points) and satisfaction with activity management (0–10 points).

One-way analysis of variance revealed no difference in achievement levels for the units of activity (e.g., step count, activity time) set as goals (P = 0.789). The frequency of exposure to the goal (e.g., daily, weekly average) seemed related to achievement levels (P = 0.047). Multiple regression analysis revealed relationships between the percentage of activity goals achieved and age (standardized coefficient: β = −0.256), adherence to wearing the accelerometer (β = 0.238), baseline step count (β = 0.470), and subjective degree of implementation of activity management (β = 0.304). The higher the percentage of activity goals achieved, the higher the subjective goal achievement (r = 0.4971), and the higher the number of steps taken after the follow-up period (r = 0.5032).

Setting appropriate goals and increasing physical activity levels should involve the consideration of frequency of exposure to the goal in combination with age and number of steps at the time of goal setting.

The study’s findings suggest that setting appropriate goals for activity amounts could lead to effective increases in physical activity for frail individuals, thereby offering them hope for improved health and well-being.