Does the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) explain exercise behavior in a community-based sample of older women?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether patterns of exercise adoption by older women would conform to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change.


METHODS
Participants were randomized into an exercise group (walk 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, plus balance exercises twice per week) or attention control (health education on topics other than exercise). The intervention was conducted over 28 weeks with 1-year follow-up.


RESULTS
Participants included 272 sedentary women aged 70 and above. Exercise adoption was higher in the intervention group (83% vs. 17% among controls). After 1 year, 60% of the intervention group was in action or maintenance, compared to 16% of the control group. Self-efficacy following the intervention predicted long-term exercise adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Few studies have addressed longitudinal analysis of the TTM for exercise adoption. Most constructs from the TTM were useful in explaining exercise adoption in older sedentary women.
Findorff
Mary J
MJ
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. find0003@umn.edu
Stock
Holly Hatch
HH
Gross
Cynthia R
CR
Wyman
Jean F
JF
D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D004856:Postural Balance; D014481:United States