Related Experiment Videos
Stage of motivational readiness: predictive ability for exercise behavior
Deborah Rohm Young1, Abby C King, Mary Sheehan
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA. dryoung@wam.umd.edu
American Journal of Health Behavior
|September 11, 2002
Summary
Motivational readiness stage did not predict adherence to a 9-month exercise program. This suggests exercise interventions may need different strategies to improve physical activity adoption and maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise science
- Behavioral science
- Public health
Background:
- Adherence to exercise interventions is crucial for achieving health benefits.
- Understanding predictors of adherence, such as motivational readiness, can inform intervention design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the stage of motivational readiness for exercise at baseline predicts adherence to a 9-month exercise intervention.
Main Methods:
- 342 individuals were randomized into a diet and physical activity trial.
- The intervention required participants to complete or add at least 10 miles of weekly brisk walking or jogging.
- Adherence was tracked using self-reported logs.
Main Results:
- 64% of men and 34% of women increased their weekly physical activity by at least 10 miles.
- No significant difference in adherence was observed across different baseline motivational readiness stages for exercise.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that motivational readiness stage alone may not be a strong predictor of adherence in this specific exercise intervention.
- Further research is needed to identify contextual factors and intervention strategies that effectively promote the adoption and long-term maintenance of physical activity.