Changing stage of readiness for physical activity in Medicaid beneficiaries with physical impairments

People with disabilities are more sedentary than the general population, putting them at risk for secondary conditions like diabetes. This study investigated the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) for changing stage of readiness for physical activity, taking into account baseline stage of readiness and participation barriers. Study participants (n = 139 non-institutionalized, disabled Medicaid beneficiaries) were randomly assigned to either the treatment condition (MI) or a control condition (newsletter). Individuals receiving MI were more likely to move into the preparation stage of readiness (OR = 3.13). Regardless of treatment condition, individuals in the contemplation stage at baseline were more likely to move into preparation (OR = 5.53) and action stage (OR = 8.89). With regard to participation barriers, each unit increase in participants' ratings predicted a 4% to 5% reduction in likelihood of moving into either the preparation or action stage of readiness.