The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

3109.0: Monday, November 17, 2003 - 10:30 AM

Abstract #63590

Adherence to exercise recommendations: Practice-based evaluation of chiropractic patients

John K. Hyland, DC, MPH, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, PO Box 350700, Westminster, CO 80035-0700, 303-465-9158, jhyland@u.washington.edu, Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD, Practice-Based Research Program, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1561 W. George Washington, Davenport, IA 52804, Karen J. Sherman, PhD, MPH, Center for Health Studies, Group Health Cooperative, 1730 Minor Ave. #1600, Seattle, WA 98101-1498, and Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, Cancer Prevention Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1730 Minor Ave. #909, Seattle, WA 98101.

Objective: To determine what percentage of chiropractic patients do their home exercises as recommended, and to identify moderating variables that are correlated with adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed, using a telephone interview of chiropractic patients two weeks after they had been given home exercise instructions. The participants were recruited consecutively at 6 independent chiropractic practices. Independent variables investigated included: Personal factors (such as gender, age, level of education, prior history of exercise, ethnic background, health beliefs, and tobacco use), Process variables (such as number of exercises, time required, doctor demonstrated the exercises, doctor checked exercises later, use of pre-printed materials, and use of an exercise log), and Provider characteristics (such as gender, age, years in practice, rural/suburban/urban setting, personal history of exercise, belief in exercise benefits, and billing practices). Results: Group differences between adherent and non-adherent patients are discussed. Multiple regression models are used to identify and rank the predictors of exercise adherence. Conclusions: Doctors of chiropractic can address several of the mediating factors identified in this study to increase the likelihood that patients will do their exercises as recommended. The logistics of a practice-based study present several obstacles to answering practical questions.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Adherence, Exercise

Related Web page: none

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Prevention in Chiropractic

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA