PRELIMINARY PROJECT RESULTS APPROVED FOR PUBLICATION IN THE JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The University of Vigo team that is part of the IN COMMON SPORTS project, led by Professor José Maria Cancela, submitted a scientific article to the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, and the paper was approved for publication in the prestigious scientific journal. This article entitled "Reasons why older adults engage in physical exercise. Comparative study Eastern Europe vs Southern Europe" was based on the study that has been developed in the IN COMMON SPORTS project and makes an analysis of the "Participation Motivation Questionnaire: Older Adults" concluding that the reasons why the residents of Southern Europe exercise are more related to medical reasons, while in Eastern Europe these reasons are more related to recognition.

Title: Reasons why older adults engage in physical exercise. Comparative study Eastern Europe vs Southern Europe

Abstract.

Introduction: Research on variables that encourage older adults to exercise is limited. This study was carried out to identify the participation motives of older European involved in regular exercise.

Methods: The 418 (170 men, 248 women) who participated in the survey are participants of the Erasmus Plus European Project In Common Sports. The participants were divided into two groups. Italy, Portugal and Spain formed the Southern Europe group, and Bulgaria and Hungary the Eastern European group. All participants completed the Participation Motivation Questionnaire: Older Adults.

Results: The most highly reported motives for participation were to have fun, stay in shape, keep healthy and an enjoyment of exercise. Principal-components analysis of the questionnaire revealed 6 factors: social, fitness, recognition, challenge/benefits, medical, and involvement.

Conclusions: The reasons why the residents of Southern European practice exercise are more related to medical reasons, while for Eastern Europe these reasons are more related recognition.