Effects of the Matter of Balance Program on Self-Reported Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: To (a) evaluate effects of the Matter of Balance (MOB) program on self-reported physical activity (PA) in older adults as measured by the program’s activity (MOB-PA) measure and the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, Part 1 (RAPA1) and (b) for a separate Community cohort, explore correlations between MOB-PA and RAPA1 scores and step counts obtained using accelerometry. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults recruited from upcoming MOB classes and from in-person contacts comprised MOB (N = 56) and Community (N = 23) cohorts, respectively. For the MOB cohort, paired t tests were computed for baseline and follow-up MOB-PA and RAPA1 scores. For the Community cohort, Pearson’s correlations between self-reported PA and step counter measures were calculated. Results: Self-reported PA did not change following MOB participation. The MOB-PA had substantial ceiling effects, which weakened relationships with step counter data. Discussion: No evidence was found that MOB participation increased PA. The MOB-PA may not be appropriate for measuring activity levels.