Applying the transtheoretical model to regular moderate exercise in an overweight population: Validation of a stages of change measure

Background. The overweight population may benefit from Transtheoretical Mod el-based interventions focusing on regular moderate exercise. Current stage s of change measures assessing regular moderate exercise specific to an ove rweight population (BMI greater than or equal to 25) are lacking. This stud y examined the validity of a staging algorithm for moderate exercise for th e purposes of healthy weight management. Methods. A sample of 670 healthy adults (mean age 50.9 +/- 15.0; mean BMI 3 0.6 +/- 5.5; 53% female; 93% Caucasian) completed a questionnaire that incl uded demographics, self-reported levels of exercise, and constructs from th e Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Analyses of variance and follow-up tests we re used to assess the concurrent and construct validity of the staging algo rithm. Results. The staging algorithm discriminated those in the action stages fro m those in the preaction stages for the moderate- and strenuous-intensity c ategories (P < 0.001). The constructs of pros and cons (P < 0.001) and conf idence (P < 0.001) differed across the stages. Conclusions. In addition to demonstrating good concurrent and construct val idity for the stages of change measure, the patterns found across the stage s of change were consistent with the theoretical predictions of the TTM and replicated the patterns observed in previous studies. (C) 2001 American He alth Fou.ndation and Academic Press.