Abstract

Despite 15 years of research on exercise compliance, supervised exercise programs typically have dropout rates of 50. Researches have used entry profiles and theories from behavioral psychology in efforts to predict and prevent dropout, with limited success. A possible key to the puzzle is that, contrary to a common assumption, exercise may be a unique behavior, not subject to precisely the same prompts and reinforcements as other health habits. Other problems with past research include imprecise terminology, unstandardized measures, and a failure to adjust methods to suit specific populations and circumstances. Needed for a better understanding of exercise compliance are new definitions, new methods, and broader perspectives. Verf.-Referat