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Abstract

Purpose.

Explore whether adults' physical activity behavior or their use of physical activity behavior-change strategies, as derived from the Transtheoretical Model, differed by handedness.

Methods.

A cross-sectional survey of 151 adults' hand preference (i.e., handedness: right, left, ambidextrous) and their use of the behavioral and cognitive processes of change, decisional balance scores (i.e., pros minus cons), self-efficacy, and their stage of change for physical activity involvement.

Results.

Left-handers showed significantly less use of the behavioral and cognitive processes of change compared to right-handers (M = 46.9 vs. M = 40.5 and M = 46.9 vs. M = 40.5, respectively). Left-handers were also significantly more likely to be in the earlier (i.e., inactive or irregularly active) stages of change relative to right-handers (84.6% vs. 48.1%, respectively).

Discussion.

Handedness may be a previously unrecognized, heritable correlate of physical activity behavior and the use of physical activity behavior-change strategies.

Keywords

Correlates Heritable Participation Transtheoretical Model Prevention Research

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Does Physical Activity Behavior Vary by Handedness?

Abstract

Purpose.

Methods.

Results.

Discussion.

Keywords

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References