CHANGES IN PERCEIVED EXERCISE BARRIERS IN MEXICAN AMERICAN WOMEN FOLLOWING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM

Abstract

Sedentary lifestyles contribute to the development of hypertension, obesity and other preventable disease processes. Many of these processes have demonstrated improvement with the addition of a routine exercise program; however there are barriers that prevent women, especially elderly women from committing to such a program. There is a high incidence of inactivity among elderly women, which leads to declining health, and increased mortality and morbidity. This study addressed those barriers, and evaluated whether barriers changed after involvement in a 10 week Tai Chi class. There was not a statistically significantly change in barriers after a 10 week class in Tai Chi. The limitations of the study, implications for nursing and recommended future research are discussed. Results will assist Nurse Practitioners to provide insight and support to women whose health improved with the addition of a routine exercise program.