Accumulation of behavioral validation evidence for physical activity stage of change.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to accumulate behavioral validity evidence for physical activity Stage of Change (SOC).


METHODS
Nine studies used a common physical activity SOC measure and examined self-report, objective, and performance physical activity indicators to accumulate behavioral validity evidence for SOC. Type of measure, the strength of the expected relationship between the measure and SOC, and the predicted SOC differences were examined. Validity evidence for the SOC was also examined by population and sampling method.


METHODS
Validity evidence for physical activity SOC was classified with respect to the type of measurement instrument and the hypothesized magnitude of the relationship between the measure and the SOC.


RESULTS
Physical activity SOC was found to be behaviorally valid as evidenced by self-reported physical activity, self-reported exercise, self-reported sedentary behaviors, pedometers, and physical functioning. Physical activity SOC does not appear to be related to physical fitness or weight indicators.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights a successful multi-site collaboration. Physical activity data from nine large-scale, health trials was combined and accumulated behavioral validation evidence for the physical activity SOC.
Hellsten
Laurie-ann
LA
Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Nigg
Claudio
C
Norman
Gregory
G
Burbank
Patricia
P
Braun
Lynne
L
Breger
Rosemary
R
Coday
Mathilda
M
Elliot
Diane
D
Garber
Carol
C
Greaney
Mary
M
Lees
Faith
F
Matthews
Charles
C
Moe
Esther
E
Resnick
Barbara
B
Riebe
Deborah
D
Rossi
Joseph
J
Toobert
Deborah
D
Wang
Terry
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States