Mood and Motivation: Evaluating the Effects of the Otago Exercise Program on the Mood of Older Adults and Exploring Motivational Factors for Sustained Physical Activity

Research Objectives: To provide a comprehensive analysis of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) that examines whether participation produces an enhancement in mood state. Secondary objective was to explore the motivational factors for initiating and maintaining physical activity behavior, particularly within the context of the Otago program.

Design: Mixed-methods: (1) Quantitative (n=30): Profile of Mood States (POMS) before, after, and 24 hours following the Otago Exercise Program; (2) Qualitative (n=5): individual, semi-structured interviews identifying facilitator/barrier themes. The Otago Exercise Program is an evidence-based program which consists of 5 warm-up exercises and 17 strength and balance exercises that are performed three times a week by older adults in the home, outpatient, or community setting.

Setting: Community sites where Otago exercise classes were held.

Participants: A random sample of participants (N=30) age 60 years or older, low to moderate assessed fall risk and living independently in the community.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: Profile of Mood States and facilitator/barrier themes.

Results: Multivariate repeated measures ANOVA showed significant improvement for tension, vigor, confusion, and the total mood disturbance (TMD) score (p < 0.05) following the Otago Exercise Program. 24 hours later vigor, confusion, and TMD (p < 0.05) still showed significant improvement. No significant differences were observed in depression, anger, and fatigue (p>0.05) following the OEP. Systematic Text Condensation, emphasized that commitment, obligation, and achievement were motivational in initiating physical activity, while poor health, unattained goals, and disengagement were barriers.

Conclusions: Results indicate that the Otago Exercise Program produces an enhancement in mood state, particularly in reducing tension, enhancing vigor, and reducing confusion. The study also contributes knowledge on multiple facilitators and barriers to exercise, specifically the OEP, which can inform strategies to support older adults in initiating and maintaining physical activity behaviors.

Author(s) Disclosures: The Otago Exercise Program received funding from Region VII Area Agency on Aging. Institutional IRB provided an exempt determination. We are declaring no conflicts of interest.