Stages of exercise behavior and caloric expenditure

This study assessed the ability of the stages of exercise behavior to differentiate caloric energy expenditure, by stage, based upon self-report of energy expenditure (EE).

Volunteer male and female participants (n=890) reported current stage of physical activity; physical activity mode, duration, and frequency; and demographic information (height and weight). Data calculated from reported information included EE, body mass index (BMI), and BMI category. EE profiles were established by average estimated EE (kcal/wk), average total time (min/wk) for physical activity, average activity frequency (times/wk), average session duration (min/session), moderate and vigorous EE levels (kcal/wk), and categorized activity level (sedentary, moderate, vigorous).

There were no significant within gender differences across stages of exercise behavior for height. Terminators differed significantly for weight from all other groups, and BMI was significantly less across groups, by gender. All males were identified in the "Mildly Obese" BMI level, while only females in the non-active (precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation) groups were so identified. All other females were at the "Acceptable" BMI level. Regardless of gender, all groups were significantly different from the sedentary precontemplation and contemplation group for EE. Male and female preparation groups reported EE in the moderate level, and were significantly different from the action, maintenance, and termination groups, who reported EE in the vigorous level. Across subsequent stages of exercise behavior, female participants demonstrated increased EE. Male participants were similarly profiled, with the exception of one group (action stage), which was considerably greater than all other groups.

This study confirmed the earlier examined premise, by Cardinal, that self-selected stage of exercise behavior differentiates EE by stage.