Transtheoretical Model for Exercise: Measure Redevelopment and Assessing the Role of Barriers in a Diverse Population

Abstract

Purpose

To redevelop and improve Transtheoretical Model (TTM) exercise measures for Black and Hispanic/Latinx adults. The redeveloped scales will address barriers to exercise potentially relevant to populations of color in the United States (US).

Design

Cross-sectional, split-half measure development.

Setting

Online survey in the US.

Subjects

450 Black and/or Hispanic/Latinx adults.

Measures

Demographics, exercise engagement (IPAQ-SF), stage of change (SOC), decisional balance (DCBL), self-efficacy (SE), and barriers to exercise.

Analysis

Split-half exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were executed to establish measurement structure and fit, followed by multivariate analyses to assess constructs by SOC.

Results

EFA/CFA for DCBL revealed three factors (α = .85, .70, .75) which represented Pros of exercise, Cons of exercise related to time and safety, and Cons of exercise related to physical or emotional discomfort. Model fit was adequate (CFI = .89). For SE, two factors (α = .85, .77) resulted with good model fit (CFI = .91). These factors reflected self-efficacy to exercise when confronted with generally challenging situations, and self-efficacy to exercise when specifically experiencing affective difficulties, such as depression or anxiety. Lastly, a novel Barriers measure resulted in three factors (α = .82, .77, .76), representing barriers encountered due to family responsibilities, work obligations, and health challenges, with good model fit (CFI = .95). Shifts in the core TTM constructs by SOC largely mapped onto the theoretical trends expected under the TTM.

Conclusion

This study produced systematically developed TTM exercise measures for Black and Hispanic/Latinx adults in the US that address and incorporate important barriers to exercise. This research represents an important step forward in broadening the inclusion of diverse populations to TTM measure development processes and may lead to a better understanding of relevant factors impeding exercise engagement in the US.