Self-efficacy, exercise behavior and health-related quality of life among older adults

The role of self-efficacy (SE) as a moderator and a mediator of the relationship between exercise behavior and health-related quality of life among older adults were investigated. Participants aged 60 years and older (n=82 : 27 men and 55 women) responded to a survey that inquired about demographic variables, exercise SE, average amount of exercise, and health-related quality of life. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis indicated a moderating effect of exercise SE on mental health. This effect was more evident when the amount of exercise was low. Moreover, a mediating effect of exercise SE on both physical and mental health was observed. These results suggest that in the future exercise intervention studies targeting older adults should be conducted to clarify the multiple roles of SE.