The Stages of Change in three stage concepts and two modes of physical activity: a comparison of stage distributions and practical implications

Abstract

Stages of Change were assessed for three stage definitions and two modes of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) in a representative telephone survey in Switzerland (participation 55.8%; n = 1471). Two five-stage definitions focusing either on intention to change or current behavior were integrated into a seven-stage concept, taking into account both aspects. The two target behaviors were activities with at least moderate intensity and activities with vigorous intensity. According to the two five-stage definitions, at least half of the participants were either in precontemplation (focus on intention) or in preparation (focus on behavior). Upon classification into the seven stages these large stage groups were differentiated. There were differences in the pros for change between the new stages of the seven-stage concept. One in seven participants was regularly active according to the moderate criteria, but not using the vigorous criteria, and one in every eight participants reported the inverse. Results show that an individual can be in different Stages of Change depending on the stage definition and be regularly active or not depending on the target behavior. The practical implications of the seven-stage algorithm and a two-dimensional matrix to classify participants for both moderate and vigorous intensity activities in an Internet-based HEPA program are presented.

The "Romsås in Motion" community intervention: program exposure and psychosocial mediated relationships to change in stages of change in physical activity

“…However, the significant positive relationship found between the stages of change in physical activity and strenuous physical activity in leisure and commute time in the main study (Lorentzen et al, submitted) lends support for the use of the stages of change construct as an outcome measure. Finally, the lack of a precise definition of regular physical activity may have reduced the reliability and validity of the stages of change measure, as Martin-Diener and colleagues [48] found that an individual can be in different stages of change depending on the definition of the behaviour.…”

Transtheoretical Model-based exercise counselling for older adults in Switzerland: quantitative results over a 1-year period

“…This was adjusted in a revised version of the instrument for the project "Zurich GPs' exercise counselling sessions for the over-65s" (Märki et al in press), in that Preparation was subdivided into three differentiated algorithms. A similar division was undertaken by Martin-Diener et al (2004). Effectiveness analyses were based on stage change, and time spent in regular lifestyle moderate-intensity activities or sport of at least moderate intensity.…”

Effectiveness of Active-Online, an Individually Tailored Physical Activity Intervention, in a Real-Life Setting: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The first module offers a maximum of four tailored feedbacks using questionnaires on stages of change, decisional balance, processes of change, and self-efficacy. Stages of change are assessed according to a seven-stage concept focusing on current behavior (moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity) as well as on intention to change [34]. The decisional balance and self-efficacy scales are based on instruments of Basler et al [35], and the processes of change scale on instruments of Marcus et al [36], and Nigg and Riebe [37].…”

“…Depending on their current stage of change, visitors are guided trough one, three, or four sections of the module. More information is available in Martin-Diener et al [34]. The module on strength and flexibility training offers a maximum of two tailored feedbacks based on questionnaires assessing five stages of change as well as attitudes and knowledge regarding strength training.…”