Does the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) explain exercise behavior in a community-based sample of older women?

Objective: To determine whether patterns of exercise adoption by older women would conform to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change.

Methods: Participants were randomized into an exercise group (walk 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, plus balance exercises twice per week) or attention control (health education on topics other than exercise). The intervention was conducted over 28 weeks with 1-year follow-up.

Results: Participants included 272 sedentary women aged 70 and above. Exercise adoption was higher in the intervention group (83% vs. 17% among controls). After 1 year, 60% of the intervention group was in action or maintenance, compared to 16% of the control group. Self-efficacy following the intervention predicted long-term exercise adherence.

Discussion: Few studies have addressed longitudinal analysis of the TTM for exercise adoption. Most constructs from the TTM were useful in explaining exercise adoption in older sedentary women.