Application of Transtheoretical Model on the physical exercise behavior of adolescents

Abstract

The global decline in adolescent physical activity is a critical public health issue, with over 80% of adolescents failing to meet the WHO's recommendation of 150 minutes of weekly exercise, a concern mirrored in China. This study applies the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to promote exercise behavior among Chinese adolescents.

The study developed and validated the Adolescent Physical Exercise Behavior Change Questionnaire (APEBCQ) and explored the relationships among TTM variables. Phase 1 validated APEBCQ's reliability and validity in a sample of 300 adolescents, demonstrating strong differentiation in Decisional Balance (DB), Processes of Change (POC), and Self-Efficacy (SE). Phase 2 surveyed 2,100 adolescents across 14 cities, revealing significant correlations between stages of change (SOC), DB, POC, SE, and exercise frequency, with gender and grade differences influencing outcomes. Phase 3 evaluated a 12-week TTM-based intervention, showing significant improvements in exercise behavior, POC, and SE in the experimental group.

In conclusion, this study validated the APEBCQ, analyzed key TTM variables, and confirmed the effectiveness of TTM-based interventions. The findings offer valuable insights for designing targeted strategies to promote healthy behaviors in adolescents. Future research should expand sample sizes, include additional variables, and develop more personalized interventions for diverse populations.

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