Using the stages of change model to increase the adoption of physical activity among community participants

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the use of the stages of change model to design an exercise intervention for community volunteers. DESIGN: The +ACI-Imagine Action+ACI- campaign was a community-wide event incorporating the involvement of local worksites and community agencies. Community members registering for the campaign were enrolled in a six-week intervention program designed to encourage participation in physical activity. SUBJECTS: Six hundred and ten adults aged 18 to 82 years old enrolled in the program. Seventy-seven percent of the participants were female and the average age was 41.8 years (SD +AD0- 13.8). SETTING: The campaign was conducted in a city with a population of approximately 72,000 and was promoted throughout community worksites, area schools, organizations, and local media channels. MEASURES: One question designed to assess current stage of exercise adoption was included on the campaign registration form as were questions about subject name, address, telephone number, birthdate, and gender. INTERVENTION: The intervention included written materials designed to encourage participants to initiate or increase physical activity, a resource manual describing activity options in the community, and weekly +ACI-fun walks+ACI- and +ACI-activity nights.+ACI- RESULTS: A Stuart-Maxwell test for correlated proportions revealed that subjects were significantly more active after the six-week intervention. Sixty-two percent of participants in Contemplation became more active while 61+ACU- in Preparation became more active. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants increased their stage of exercise adoption during the six-week intervention. This study provides preliminary support for use of the stages of change model in designing exercise interventions