Stages Of Change For Physical Activity Research Articles

Differences and Associations of Physical Activeness, Quality of Life, Motivational Factors, and Stages of Change Between Young and Mid Adults

The current study aimed to examine differences and associations of physical activity (PA) levels, quality of life (QoL), motives for PA, and stages of change (SOC) between young and mid adults. A total of 208 participants in Malaysia completed an online survey which comprised of questionnaires about PA, motivational factors, QoL, and SOC in PA. Independent t-tests revealed that young adults engaged in more PA in general, as well as light PA. However, mid adults in general scored higher levels of QoL and its four domains (i.e., physical, psychological, social, and environmental). Moreover, young adults were significantly more motivated by appearance for PA. Pearson correlations revealed higher levels of vigorous PA linked to, higher social domain of QoL in both age groups, and, physical and psychological domain of QoL in mid adults. Vigorous PA also showed the strongest positive links with motivations in competence in both young and mid adults. Cross tabulations showed that both young and mid adults have highest frequency counts in contemplation stage for moderate and light PA and highest frequency counts in the maintenance stage for vigorous PA. This study is the first to show how young and mid adults differed in PA levels, QoL, motives behind PA engagements, and how they correlate differently. However, both age groups showed similar SOC patterns, indicating the likelihood of moderate and light PA engagements when they see the possibility of change but still lack commitment, whilst those engaged in vigorous PA are more likely to actively maintaining the change.

Validation of a brief German Physical Activity Questionnaire (German-PAQ): Biometric, physiological, strength, and psychological considerations

“It is impossible to change things that cannot be measured.” (Nigg et al., 2012, p. 455)
 Background
 For valid conclusions about physical activity (PA) prevalence, intervention efficacy, dose-response and health outcome, and provide evidence-based recommendations, high-quality measurement is essential (Nigg et al., 2020). PA Questionnaires (PAQs) are a type of self-report allowing both assessment of quantitative and qualitative aspects. An important aspect of a quality measure is its validity – or the degree to which an instrument truly measures the construct it purports to measure. Specifically, criterion validity documents the extent to which an operationalization of a construct, such as a PA (as measured by a PAQ), relates to another representation of the construct.
 PA-related indicators include biometric, physiological, strength, and behavioral domains. Although several long German language PAQs exist (e.g., Frey et al., 1999; Jekauc et al., 2013), there is only one brief German PAQ (the IPAQ-short form), however, without criterion validity established. Therefore, this study aimed to validate a brief German PAQ using various criterion validation domains.
 Methods
 Data from eight different studies (overall N = 155; 31.0% female; mean age = 24.5, SD = 4.8) were combined for this purpose. Six PA items assessed how many days per week and how many minutes per day individuals participated in vigorous, moderate, and mild activity, respectively. To enable PA guideline conclusions moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) min/wk was calculated (2*vigorous PA min/wk + moderate PA min/wk). Criterion validity measures included biometric indicators: body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), body fat (%), muscle mass (kg), waist circumference (cm), waist-to-height ratio; physiological indicators: resting heart rate (bpm), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg), maximum oxygen consumption [VO2max, ml/min/kg]); strength indicators: countermovement jump (cm), handgrip strength (kg); and a psychological indicator: PA stage of change.
 Results
 As expected MVPA min/wk negatively correlated with body fat % (r = -.17, p < .05), and positively with VO2max (r = .36, p < .001), hand grip strength (r = .27, p < .05), and PA stage of change (r = .39, p = .003). Those who met PA guidelines according to the German-PAQ had lower BMI (Cohen’s d [d] = -.20), bodyfat % (d = -.32), waist circumference (d = -.32), waist-to-height ratio (d = -.36), resting heart rate (d = -.31) (all small effects), higher handgrip strength (d = .55; medium effect), VO2max (d = .75, large effect) and PA stage of change (d = 3.46, large effect) versus those who did not. No effects were found for muscle mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and countermovement jump (|d| ≤ .1),
 Conclusion
 In addition to high face validity, the brief German-PAQ exhibited criterion validity with biometric, physiological, strength, and psychological indicators, similar to other (English language) PAQs. The fact that meeting the guidelines according to the German-PAQ was associated with differences in the indicators adds additional credence to the validity of this measure.
 References
 Frey, I., Berg, A., Grathwohl, D., & Keul J. (1999). Freiburger Fragebogen zur körperlichen Aktivität-Entwicklung, Prüfung und Anwendung [Freiburg questionnaire on physical activity-development, testing and application]. Sozial und Präventivmedizin, 44, 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01667127
 Jekauc, D., Wagner, M. O., Kahlert, D. & Woll, A. (2013). Reliabilität und Validität des MoMo-Aktivitätsfragebogens für Jugendliche (MoMo-AFB) [Reliability and validity of the MoMo Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (MoMo-AFB)]. Diagnostica, 59(2), 100-111. https://doi.org/10.1026/0012-1924/a000083
 Nigg, C. R., Fuchs, R., Gerber, M., Jekauc, D., Koch, T., Krell-Roesch, J., Lippke, S., Mnich; C., Novak, B., Ju, Q., Sattler, M., Schmidt, S. C. E., van Poppel, M., Reimers, A. K., Wagner, P., Woods, K., & Woll, A. (2020). Assessing physical activity through questionnaires – A consensus of best practices and future directions. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 50, Article 101715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101715
 Nigg, C. R., Jordan, P. J., & Atkins, A. (2012). Behavioral measurement in exercise psychology. In G. Tenenbaum, R. C. Eklund, R. C. & A. Kamata, A. (Eds.), Measurement in Sport and Exercise Psychology (pp. 455-464). Human Kinetics.

Physical Activity Adherence Related to Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Spanish Older Adults: 8 Years-Longitudinal EXERNET-Study.

IntroductionThe multiple benefits of physical activity (PA) compared to the current lack of adherence to this behavior in older people makes it necessary to identify the factors related to its long-term dropout, therefore, the aim of this study was: (i) to study the evolution of behavior change for PA through stages of change (SoC) after 8 years and, to identify the associated factors related to the worsening of SoC for PA.MethodsA total of 714 Spanish older adults (>65 years) participated in the Longitudinal elderly EXERNET study 8 years follow-up. SoC for PA from Transtheoretical model of behavior change (TTM), body composition [BMI, fat mass, lean mass, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC)] and physical fitness (EXERNET battery fitness tests) were recorded. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to identify the potential predictive factors of worsening SoC for PA.ResultsThree hundred and sixty participants (50.4%) worsening their SoC for PA after 8 years. Predictors factors associated with worsening of SoC were: HC (OR = 1.022; 95% CI: 1.001, 1.044), Lower body strength (OR = 0.940; 95% CI: 0.887, 0.997) and aerobic endurance at the 6 min-walk test (OR = 0.997; 95% CI: 0.995, 0.999).ConclusionThis study highlights that we need to identify adults with high HC, lower body strength and lower aerobic endurance to design a tailored PA program. Identifying the determinants of losing adherence to PA will help in the creation, design, and evaluation of exercise programs with the goal of reducing older adults’ drop-outs rates.

Socioecological Factors Associated with an Urban Exercise Prescription Program for Under-Resourced Women: A Mixed Methods Community-Engaged Research Project.

One strategy to promote physical activity (PA) is for health care providers to give exercise prescriptions (ExRx) that refer to community-based facilities. However, facilitators and barriers specific to urban programs in the US for under-resourced women are unknown. Thus the purpose of this formative research was to explore ExRx barriers and facilitators specific to US under-resourced women to inform future intervention targets and strategies. This mixed-methods community-engaged research was conducted in partnership with an urban women’s only wellness center that exchanged ExRx for free access (1–3 months). Qualitative semi-structured interviews and validated quantitative questionnaires (SF-12, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Physical Activity Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity Stage of Change, and Barriers to Physical Activity, Social Support for Exercise, and Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale) were administered by phone and guided by the socio-ecological model. ExRx utilization was defined as number visits/week divided by membership duration. Means and percentages were compared between ≥1 visit/week vs. <1 visit/week with t-tests and chi-square, respectively. Women (n = 30) were 74% Black, 21–78 years of age, 50% had ≤ high school diploma, and 69% had household incomes ≤45,000/year. Women with ≥1 visit/week (n = 10; 33%) reported more education and higher daily activity, motivation, number of family CVD risk factors and family history of dyslipidemia compared with <1 visit/week. Facilitators among women with ≥1 visit/week were “readiness” and “right timing” for ExRx utilization. Barriers among women with <1 visit/week (n = 20; 67%) were “mismatched expectations” and “competing priorities”. Common themes among all women were “sense of community” and “ease of location”. ExRx utilization at an US urban wellness center may be dependent on a combination of multi-level factors including motivation, confidence, peer support, location and ease of access in under-sourced women. Additional resources may be needed to address mental and/or physical health status in additional to physical activity specific programming.

Affective Variables and Cognitive Performances During Exercise in a Group of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Previous research has documented that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cognitive impairment. Psychological variables were repeatedly investigated to understand why T2DM patients are poorly active, despite standards of medical care recommends performing aerobic and resistance exercise regularly and reducing the amount of time spent sitting. This exploratory study aims to investigate how affective variables as thoughts, feelings, and individuals’ stage of exercise adoption can modulate low cognitive performances during an experimental procedure based on exercise. The Exercise Thoughts Questionnaire (ETQ), Exercise-Induced Feeling Scale (EFI), and Physical Activity Stage of Change were administered to a sample of 12 T2DM patients. The Bivalent Shape Task (BST) alone (BST), BST with exercise [control exercise recovery (CER) + BST], and BST with metaboreflex [post-exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI) + BST] were used as mental task, and response time to congruent, incongruent, and neutral stimuli was recorded. Concomitant cerebral oxygenation (COX) was evaluated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). As expected, T2DM patients performed significantly better when the stimulus was presented in congruent trials (followed by neutral and incongruent). In the CER + BST session, T2DM patients showed longer reaction time to incongruent trials than in the PEMI + BST and BST alone sessions. Positive feelings toward exercise seem to modulate cognitive performances in high challenging task only if T2DM patients were conscious to play exercise. These results could provide some insights for health intervention targeting exercise for patients with T2DM in order to enhance cognitive performances.

Effect of an adolescent peer-led health curriculum on peer educators and participants

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an adolescent peer-led health curriculum in changing physical activity and fruit and vegetable social-cognitive and behavioural variables among Filipino American adolescents in Hawai’i for participants and peer educators. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Setting: One high school on Oahu, Hawai’i. Method: Filipino American adolescents aged 16–18 years from a grade 12 health class were recruited and trained as peer educators to deliver a health curriculum to grades 9–11 health classes over 8 months. We examined peer educators’ influence on physical activity and fruit and vegetable social-cognitive (knowledge, stage of change, self-efficacy and enjoyment) and behavioural variables (physical activity and consumption). Participants and peer educators completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Results: Compared with controls, intervention students showed an increase in physical activity knowledge and self-efficacy. Multiple regression analysis predicted higher physical activity knowledge and moderate-vigorous physical activity follow-up scores for members of the intervention group. A significant effect was found for physical activity stage of change and moderate-vigorous physical activity for peer educators over time. No significant effect was found for any fruit and vegetable variables. Conclusion: A peer-led health curriculum may be a viable method to change physical activity social-cognitive and behavioural variables in Filipino American adolescents and peer educators.

Correlates of physical activity stages of change in people living with HIV in a Ugandan community

Purpose The transtheoretical model (TTM) of behavioral change posits that individuals move through five stages of change when adopting new behaviors: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with HIV/AIDS within a Ugandan fishing community in the different physical activity (PA) stages. We also explored differences in variables, motives, and barriers for PA across the stages. Methods In total, 256 individuals (77 men, 40.5 ± 10.3 years) completed the Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. They were also asked about their most important PA motive and barrier. Results Seventy-five individuals (29%) were in the (pre-)preparatory stages, 140 (55%) in the action and 41 (16%) in the maintenance stage. Those in the (pre-)preparatory stages had higher PHQ-9 total scores (p < 0.001) and were more likely to report barriers than those in the later stages (p < 0.001). Compared with those in the (pre-)preparatory stage, patients in the action stage experienced less body weakness (p = 0.015). Conclusions Depression and barriers to PA should be considered in people with HIV/AIDS in low-resource settings when implementing interventions to assist them to become more active. Implications for rehabilitation People with HIV/AIDS are among the most physically inactive clinical populations. Clinicians should consider depression when motivating patients with HIV in low resourced settings to become active. Clinicians should consider body weakness when motivating patients with HIV in low resourced settings to become active.

Barriers and enablers to physical activity and aerobic fitness deficits among childhood cancer survivors.

Physical activity and aerobic fitness are modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) after childhood cancer. How survivors engage in physical activity remains unclear, potentially increasing CVD risk. We assessed survivors' physical activity levels, barriers and enablers, fitness, and identified predictors of fitness and physical activity stage of change. Childhood cancer survivors (CCS; 8-18years old) ≥1year post-treatment were assessed for aerobic fitness (6-min walk test), used to extrapolate VO2max , and body composition (InBody 570). Survivors self-reported physical activity to determine stage of change (Patient-Centered Assessment and Counselling for Exercise). Physical activity and fitness were compared with guidelines and CVD-risk cut-points (VO2max <42mL/kg/min: males; VO2max <35mL/kg/min: females). Multiple regression and mediator-moderator analysis were used to identify fitness predictors and stage of change. One hundred two survivors (12.8±3.3years) participated (46% acute lymphoblastic leukaemia). Forty percent of males (VO2max =43.3±6.3mL/kg/min) and 28% of females (VO2max =36.5±5.9mL/kg/min) were in the CVD-risk category, while 25% met physical activity guidelines. Most prevalent physical activity barriers were fatigue (52%), preferring television instead of exercise (38%), and lacking time (34%). Predictive factors for reduced fitness included being older, female, higher waist-to-height ratio, higher screen time, and moderated by lower physical activity (r2 =0.91, P<.001). Survivors with higher physical activity stage of change were male, lower body fat percentage, lower screen time, and lived with both parents (r=0.42, P=.003). Aerobic fitness and physical activity of CCS is low compared with population norms, potentially increasing CVD risk. Addressing physical activity barriers and enablers, including reducing screen time, could promote regular physical activity, reducing CVD risk.

Physical Activity and Factors Affecting Its Maintenance Among Patients With Coronary Heart Disease Not Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation in China.

BackgroundThe level of physical activity (PA) among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) living in Chinese communities who do not participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs and the factors contributing to patient maintenance of PA are unclear.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study, guided by the Transtheoretical Model, evaluated (1) the maintenance of PA in Chinese patients with CHD 12 months after hospital discharge and (2) the demographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics associated with maintenance of PA.MethodsA total of 1162 patients completed 6 questionnaires at 12 months posthospitalization to assess their maintenance of PA, stage of change, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and health-related quality of life and sleep.ResultsOnly 40% of patients with CHD maintained regular PA 12 months after hospital discharge. Walking was their primary PA. Thirty-seven percent of patients reported no intention of having regular PA. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.69), awareness of PA's cardiac benefit (OR, 4.12), a history of regular PA before the cardiac event (OR, 6.08), history of chronic disease (OR, 1.43), mild depressive symptoms (OR, 1.40), moderate and severe depressive symptoms (OR, 0.41), smoking (OR, 0.54), and years of CHD (OR, 0.96) were related to maintenance of regular PA. Patients with CHD who maintained regular PA had better quality of life and sleep (P < .001) and fewer unplanned clinic visits (P = .001) and cardiac cause readmissions (P = .012) and reported fewer declines in PA capacity (P < .001).ConclusionsWalking is the most common form of PA 12 months posthospitalization among patients with CHD in China. Patient education and counseling about the cardiac benefits of PA, taking into account stage of change, are important considerations to improve maintenance of PA.

Feasibility of Motivational Interviewing and Physical Activity Counseling Sessions for Improving Physical Activity Self-Management for Latina Women Either at Risk for or Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: Latinas have a greater chance of dying from diabetes than non-Latina Whites. As a population group, the literature has shown that Latinas do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered counseling method that promotes self-efficacy for behavior change. The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of using MI/PA counseling for self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus with Latinas. Methods: Latinas (n = 12) were recruited from an occupational program in Southern California. Two MI and PA sessions were conducted over 2 months. Feasibility measures included recruitment, retention, protocol adherence, and attrition. Impact outcomes included PA, PA stage of change, and waist circumference. Results: Participants attended all sessions and completed all questionnaires. Half progressed into a later stage of change for PA. Discussion: Results suggest MI and PA counseling is feasible for improving PA with Latinas at risk/diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Physical Activity Stage of Change and Its Related Factors in Secondary School Students of Sarableh City: A Perspective from Iran.

BACKGROUND:Physical activity is highly beneficial to health. These benefits are so important and indispensable for adolescents.AIM:The aim of this study was to investigate the Physical activity stage of change and its related factors in the male secondary School students of Sarableh city.MATERIAL AND METHODS:In a cross-sectional study, 261 male secondary School students possessing the eligibility criteria were selected using the simple random sampling technique. After giving their informed consent, the students filled the stage of change questionnaire and the structures of the transtheoretical model in a self-reporting manner. Using SPSS.21, the data were analysed through One-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation test with a 0.05 level of significance.RESULTS:The mean age of the students was 16.16±0.89 years. According to the stage of change, 26.8 per cent (n = 70) were in preaction stages (precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation) and 73.2 per cent (n = 191) were in action and maintenance stages. The one-way ANOVA revealed that awareness is raising, self-reevaluation, counter conditioning and reinforcing management differed significantly across stages (P < 0.05). However, this difference is not significant for other cognitive and behavioural processes (P > 0.05). According to the findings, increase in the self-efficacy, pros and decrease in cons was found by students’ progress in the Physical activity stage of change (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Self-efficacy and processes of change are warranted when designing Physical activity stage interventions in the adolescents.

English

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Physical Education and Sports (PES) Departments over the exercise behaviors of male students (277 pu, 283 pri) from a sample group of 21 to 26 year-olds, who are studying in various departments from both private and public universities in Istanbul. The Physical Activity Stages of Change Questionnaire (PASCQ) was used for data collection and the effect of the PES sciences was investigated to determine the tendency to play sports. A chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between categorical variables. According to PASCQ variable of male students from different departments of these universities, the general distribution of the tendency to participate in a moderate physical activity is 34.7% in private universities and 62% in public universities. The tendency to participate in sports was almost non-existent in age groups of 23, 24, and 26 in private universities, and in age groups of 21, 23 and 26 in public universities. A meaningful relationship was found when we asked the students of private universities the question of Do PES departments have an effect on your physical activity? (X2=33,952; p=,000; p<0.05). As 87.3% of the students work in the private sector along with school, they spend their non-school recreative time outside the campus and in the workplace. As a result, they are not in touch with the facilities, organizations and friend groups the PES departments have to offer, so they only show a 34.7% pre-tendency and behavior tendency in the Physical Activity Stages of Change compared to public universities. These three questions were asked and a meaningful relationship was found: Do you have any close friends who are studying in the PES departments of public universities? (X2=16,696; p=,033) Do you use the university's facilities when you exercise? (X2=38,241; p=,000) and Does PES students have effect on your physical activities? (X2=59,815; p=,002) p<0.05). Despite the fact that 40% of these students work alongside schoolling, having friends in PES departments, wanting to participate in organizations and activities, having the opportunity to use facilities, and the tendency of PES students to exercise, gives these students a 62% maintenance stage tendency. It was found that PES sciences are more effective in state universities as regards directing students to physical activity in campus life. Individuals in PES sciences also affect the physical activity levels of students in other disciplines. Key words: Physical education and sport, behavioral change, physical environment, physical activity, types of university.

Assessing Physical Activity, Fruit, Vegetable, and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Patterns of College Students in Kansas

ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of a 15-month intervention for reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake among college students and assess fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake and physical activity (PA) habits and their relationship to SSB intake. DesignRandomized, controlled study. ParticipantsA total of 156 college students (aged 18–24 years) from a Kansas university, mostly female (72%), white (89%), and freshmen (51%). InterventionTwo-staged intervention included participants receiving: (1) 3 weekly stage-tailored messages on healthful behaviors for 10 weeks; and (2) 3 monthly stage-tailored messages and 1 monthly e-mail encouraging a visit to the portal page, after the 3-month physical assessment. Main Outcome Measure(s)Stages of change for PA and F/V intake, self-reported PA scores, self-reported F/V intake, and SSB intake habits. AnalysisGeneralized linear mixed models and linear regression models were used to test changes and associations among outcome measures. ResultsNo significant decrease occurred in SSB consumption (P > .05) among intervention participants. Both control and intervention groups recorded low F/V intake and moderate PA scores. Conclusions and ImplicationsLow F/V intake and high SSB intake evident among study participants may pose risk for unwanted weight gain and obesity-related conditions. Furthermore, college campuses can continue to support an environment conducive for being physically active, while promoting healthy eating behaviors.

Investigating the effects of behavioral change, social support, and self-efficacy in physical activity in a collectivistic culture: Application of Stages of Motivational Readiness for Change in Korean young adults.

The study investigated the roles of social support, self-efficacy, and behavioral change in physical activity (PA) in the Korean culture. The subjects were 164 Korean college students. In November 2016, the study participants completed an online survey asking about PA behavior, PA Self-Efficacy, PA Stages of Change (stages of behavioral change in PA), and Social Support for PA. The collected data were statistically analyzed through structural equation modeling. In the results, PA Stages of Change had a direct effect (β = 0.57, p < .01) on PA with an explanatory power of r2 = 0.46. Moreover, PA Self-Efficacy had an indirect (βindirect = 0.29) effect on PA through PA Stages of Change as PA Self-Efficacy had a direct effect (β = 0.50, p < .001) on PA Stages of Change. However, Social Support for PA did not show an effect on other factors. Additionally, Social Support for PA had a correlation of r = 0.45 (p < .001) with PA Self-Efficacy. The study concluded PA Stages of Change is a significant PA predictor. Moreover, high PA Self-Efficacy indirectly helps Korean young adults to be more physically active by fostering advancement on the stages of behavioral change in PA. In contrast, Social Support for PA does not have a significant association with PA or PA Stages of Change. This non-significance of Social Support for PA can be explained with Korea's collectivistic culture. Furthermore, there is a possibility that Social Support for PA can positively affect PA by interacting with PA Self-Efficacy.

Effects of hand dominance on regular physical activity levels in males and females

This study aims to investigate the effects of hand dominance on regular physical activity levels in males and females. Data were collected from 2700 participants including 1350 males and 1350 females aged 14-95 years were chosen randomly. Physical activity stages of change were compared among right handers (RH), left handers (LH) and both handers (BH) depending on their hand preferences. Results of this study showed that no significant difference was observed in physical characteristics among three groups in both genders. There were significant differences in the means of physical activity levels among RH, LH and BH in males not females. Male BH had a higher regular physical activity level (2,97±1,54) than those of LH (2,70±1,46) and RH (2,70±1,53). It can be concluded that regular physical activity level increases with bilaterally and handedness can be used as criteria in the regulation of behavior change strategies.&#x0D; Keywords: Hand dominance, physical activity, gender.

Physical activity stages of change surveillance data shows that the majority of Hawai‘i’s Keiki (Children) meet the guidelines

ABSTRACTTargeting Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) children based on their physical activity (PA) stages of change (SOC) may improve intervention effectiveness. No known SOC surveillance system exists for NHOPI jurisdictions. The purpose was to determine the PA SOC prevalence over 5 years in children living in Hawaiʻi. Self-reported PA SOC from 5 cohorts (3–6 grade students) in Hawaiʻi were compared between cohorts and sex. The combined PA SOC distribution (n = 1726, 50.7% female) was: Precontemplation, 7.5%; Contemplation, 7.6%; Preparation, 9.9%; Action, 33.4%; Maintenance, 41.5%. There were no significant difference between cohorts 1 and 2 (n = 258), χ2 (16) = 21.75, p = 0.15; 2 and 3 (n = 129), χ2 (16) = 17.51, p = 0.35; 3 and 4 (n = 171), χ2 (16) = 17.28, p = 0.77; 4 and 5 (n = 129), χ2 (16) = 17.51, p = 0.35; and for all cohorts between males and females (p > 0.05). Most participants were in Action and Maintenance. Prevention efforts should emphasize maintaining PA levels. Extending PA behavior surveillance systems to include intention in NHOPI jurisdictions is warranted.

Validating Stages of Change for Obesogenic Behaviors Across Filipino and Other Asian-American and Pacific Islander Adolescents.

Filipino adolescents are underrepresented in obesity research, although Filipinos are the second largest Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) subpopulation in the USA. An understanding of how well the theories of behavior change apply to Filipino and other AAPI adolescents is critical to addressing obesogenic behaviors in these groups. This study aimed to validate the transtheoretical model of behavior change (TTM) for physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable intake (FV) among a majority Filipino adolescent population. Adolescents in grades 9-11 (N=159, 82.4% female) completed measures of PA and FV behaviors and PA and FV stages of change. One-way ANOVAs and Tukey's HSD post hoc tests were computed to assess the validity of the PA and FV stages of change with the respective behaviors. There was a significant effect for fruit (action > contemplation, preparation) and vegetable (maintenance, action > contemplation) intakes across the FV stages of change. There was a significant effect of strenuous PA (precontemplation/contemplation, preparation < action < maintenance) and moderate PA (precontemplation/contemplation < action, maintenance) across the PA stages of change. Some variability in associations emerged when the sample was stratified by gender. This study provides validity evidence for the TTM stages of change for FV and PA among Filipino and other AAPI adolescents. This validation, in turn, extends the generalizability of the stages of change construct to include this ethnic group and replicates other adolescent studies.

Relationship Between Regular Physical Activity and Transtheoretical Model Components Among Members of Municipality Councils in Selected Districts of Tehran

Background: The Trans theoretical model (TTM) is developed as a framework for understanding the process of behavior changes. It is known as the most popular approach for promoting exercise behavior. The main objective of this study is to determine the relationship between regular physical activity and TTM components among members of municipality councils in selected districts of Tehran. Methods: This quasi-experimental research with non-equivalent control groups was conducted as a cross-sectional study with 207 members of municipality councils at districts 17 and 20 of Tehran. Data gathering instruments included: demographic; physical activity stage of change; processes of change (researcher-made); self-efficacy, and decisional balance questionnaires. Reliability, and construct validity were evaluated through appropriate statistical procedures. To analyze the data, applied statistical tests such as: chi-square, regression, Pearson correlation coefficient and ANOVA were performed using SPSS 22 software. Results: The level of physical activity of municipality council’s members were: 43.5, 12.1, and 44.4 at low, moderate, and appropriate activity levels, respectively. The results showed that 18.9, 15.9, 10.1, 24.7and 30.4 percent of municipality council’s members were in the pre contemplation, contemplation, preparation, operation and maintenance stages consequently. The stages of change could predict physical activity in the municipality councils (P < 0.05). However, all the components of this model were significantly associated with regular physical activity behavior. There was a significant relationship between the structures of the processes of change, benefits and barriers against regular physical activity. Conclusions: Although, 43.5 of municipality council’s members did not have any intention of performing physical activities in the next six months, it is important to them to recognize the need for physical activity as the main behavior to increase physical and mental health and to be in the maintenance stage of their physical activity behavior. According to the most important predicting components in this study, educational intervention must be focused on in order to increase the effectiveness of the programs to promote municipality councils’ physical activity. © 2017, Asian Journal of Sports Medicine.

Web-Based Intervention for Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Chinese University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundAmple evidence demonstrates that university students are at high risk for sedentary behaviors and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (FVI). Internet-based interventions for multiple health behavior appear to be promising in changing such unhealthy habits. Limited randomized controlled trials have tested this assumption among Chinese university students.ObjectiveOur objective was to test the efficacy of an 8-week Web-based intervention compared with a control group condition to improve physical activity (PA) and FVI in Chinese university students. The intervention content was based on the health action process approach, and developed on the basis of previous evidence from the Western hemisphere. We evaluated self-reported data including PA and FVI, stages of change for PA and FVI, and motivational (risk perception, outcome expectancies, self-efficacy), volitional (action planning, coping planning, social support), and distal (intention, habit) indicators for PA and FVI, as well as perceived mental health outcomes (quality of life, depression).MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, we recruited 566 university students from one university in the central region of China during their general physical education class. After random allocation and exclusion of unsuitable participants, we assigned 493 students to 1 of 2 groups: (1) intervention group: first 4 weeks on PA and subsequent 4 weeks on FVI, (2) control group. We conducted 3 Web-based assessments: at the beginning of the intervention (T1, n=493), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T2, n=337), and at a 1-month follow-up after the intervention (T3, n=142). The entire study was conducted throughout the fall semester of 2015.ResultsSignificant time ⨯ group interactions revealed superior intervention effects on FVI; motivational, volitional, and distal indicators of FVI; and PA behavior changes, with an effect size (η2) ranging from .08 to .20. In addition, the overall intervention effects were significant for stage progression to the action group from T1 to T2 in PA (χ21=11.75, P=.001) and FVI (χ21=15.64, P=.03). Furthermore, the intervention effect was seen in the improvement of quality of life (F3,492=1.23, η2=.03, P=.02).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the efficacy of a Web-based multiple health behavior intervention among Chinese university students tested with different outcome variables. Future research should address the high dropout rate and optimize the most effective components of this intervention.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT01909349; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01909349 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6pHV1A0G1)

Influence of a Trans-Theoretical Model Based Intervention on Physical Activity in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Background: Although physical activity is necessary, but not performed by most hypertensive individuals. One of the most common theoretical frameworks used for understanding health behaviour change is the trans-theoretical model. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a trans-theoretical model based intervention on physical activity in hypertensive patients. Methods: We conducted a randomized clinical trial among 60 hypertensive patients (31 experimental and 29 control). Participants in experimental group received a fast walking intervention based on a trans-theoretical model. Physical activity stages of change, processes of change, frequency, duration and intensity of walking were measured at the onset, 3 and 6 months post-intervention. The data was analyzed using SPSS 22 software. Results: At 3 and 6 months post-intervention a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups for physical activity stages of change, processes of change, duration and intensity of walking (P < 0.05). Also at 3 months post-intervention a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups for frequency of walking (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that trans-theoretical model based intervention in hypertensive patients play important roles in an individual’s commitment to participate in physical activity.