Using the Transtheoretical Model to Examine the Effects of Exergaming on Physical Activity Among Children.
BACKGROUND
The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has been widely used to understand individuals' physical activity (PA) correlates and behavior. However, the theory's application among children in exergaming remains unknown.


OBJECTIVE
Investigate the effects of an exergaming program on children's TTM-based PA correlates and PA levels.


METHODS
At pretest and posttest, 212 upper elementary children (mean age = 11.17 years) from the greater Mountain West Region were administered measures regarding stages of change (SOC) for PA behavior, decisional balance for PA behaviors, PA self-efficacy, and self-reported PA levels. Following the pretest, a weekly 30-minute, 18-week Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) program was implemented. Children were classified into 3 SOC groups: progressive children (ie, progressed to a higher SOC stage); stable children (ie, remained at the same SOC stage); and regressive children (ie, regressed to a lower SOC stage).


RESULTS
Progressive children had greater increased PA levels than regressive children (P < .01) from pretest to posttest. Similarly, progressive children had greater increased self-efficacy (P < .05) and decision balance (P < .05) than regressive children.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that progressive children had more improvements on self-efficacy, decisional balance, and PA levels than regressive children over time. Implications of findings are discussed.
School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Zachary C
ZC
Pope
Beth A
BA
Lewis
Zan
Z
Gao
D032763:Behavior Control / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D003615:Dancing; D005260:Female; D000068957:Games, Recreational; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009043:Motor Activity; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D018910:Video Games