title: Applying the transtheoretical model to exercise: a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature.
abstract: Three questions guided a literature review of the transtheoretical model (TTM) as applied to exercise to address the evidence for stage-matched interventions, the description of priority populations, and the identification of valid TTM measurement tools. One-hundredand-fifty studies were reviewed. Results indicate preliminary support for the use of stage-matched exercise interventions. Most studies have focused on White, middle-class, female populations, limiting the generalizability of their findings. Valid and reliable measures exist for stage of change, decisional balance, processes of change, self-efficacy, and temptations to not exercise; however, more research is needed to refine these measures. Evidence for the construct validity of the TTM as applied to exercise is mixed. When designing and implementing TTM-based exercise interventions, practitioners and policy makers are encouraged to clearly define the term exercise, choose a valid and reliable staging tool, and employ all TTM constructs and not just stage membership.
authors.affiliation: Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: Troy B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malone
authors.forename: Lindsey
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yost
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation