Physical activity and Stages of Change in fifth and sixth graders

The Stage of Change (SC) paradigm was adapted to assess readiness to be or stay physically active among fifth and sixth graders. Students completed a four-item SC survey, the Past Year Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionn aire, and the Modifiable Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. P recontemplation, contemplation and preparation stages were grouped as "pre- action" (PRE), and action and maintenance as "post-action" (AX) stages. Nea rly 40% of all students were in PRE, compared to 60% of students students i n AX stages. Twenty-two percent of all students were in the sedentary preco ntemplation or contemplation stages. Significantly more boys were in mainte nance than girls, and more girls than boys were in contemplation. Students averaged 14-21 hours/week of television, video, or computer work, and 1.6 h ours/week of physical activity outside of school. Interventions may be targ eted at a specific SC to enable a child to move forward along the SC contin uum toward an active lifestyle.