Can early-life activity behavior predict adult compliance with an exercise program in later life

The aim of this study was to assess the association between exposure to physical activity early in life and its future relationship to maintaining an exercise regimen and health status among the selected group of individuals from a socio-economically disadvantaged population. The goal was to address effectively the needs of racial and ethnic minority population groups who presently are facing the highest health disparities in our nation, by examining specific cultural barriers and identifying potential facilitators for increased physical activity behaviors and health status. The specific methods used for tracking adult lifestyle behaviors during the life span of 76 adults of various racial and ethnic backgrounds entailed completion of two self-reporting behavioral health questionnaire forms and one brief demographic sheet. The study's findings did not support major assumptions that exposure to physical activity behavior in early-life creates acceptance in adulthood neither for exercise regimens, nor of any health status benefits carried-over.