Researchers use the exercise stages of change (ESOC) to examine the effectiveness of interventions designed to increase exercise behavior and to categorize participants for stage-matched interventions. Given that the ESOC are defined by intention to exercise and current exercise behavior, participants’ current exercise behavior should reflect the participants’ reported ESOC. A review of the ESOC literature reveals that researchers consistently collapse stages along the participants reported exercise behavior. A secondary analysis of two studies conducted by the researchers found discrepancies in the participants reported exercise behavior and ESOC. This led to a study examining the accuracy of the ESOC to reflect current exercise behavior as measured by a 7-day recall instrument. Data were collected from 560 employed adults. The results indicate that 18% of the participants ESOC is not accurately reflected by the participants current exercise behavior. Coupled with the secondary analyses of the two previous studies conducted by the researchers, the results show that 18–46% of participants are not accurately categorized in the ESOC. The 7-day recall instrument is shown reliable compared to 7-day diary, VO2 max, current exercise instrument, and heart rate monitoring (r=.61-.88). The discrepancies in ESOC and reported exercise behavior may influence the conclusions and the categorization of participants for stage-matched intervention. This may reflect why many stage-matched interventions do not show significant changes in exercise behavior and subsequent changes in health status. The use of the ESOC is not recommended for use in research or practice.
Learning Objectives: 1. describe the validity of the exercise stages of change instrument. 2. describe the validity of the 7-day recall instrument. 3. describe the accuracy of the exercise stages of change instrument to reflect reported exercise behavior.
Keywords: Exercise, Theory
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.