Relationships of physical activity with the transtheoretical model constructs among Korean adults

The current study investigates the physical activity distribution of Korea adults, examines the differences in the TTM constructs by the stage of physical activity, and identify the relationship between physical activity and the TTM constructs. A total of 799 adults (male: 326, female: 473, age = 46.8 years) recruited from S district in Seoul, Korea. Four Korean-version questionnaires were used to identify the stages of physical activity and its related psychological variables: stage of physical activity change scale, decision balance scale for physical activity, exercise self-efficacy scale, and processes of change scale for physical activity. Results indicated that a significant difference among male and female adults for physical activity stage distribution emerged (χ² = 67.2, df = 4, p <.001). Data were analyzed by frequency analysis, χ² test, MANOVA, and regression analysis. Self-efficacy, pros, cons, cognitive processes of change and behavioral processes of change differentiated across the stages of physical activity. Furthermore, the findings revealed that adults’ physical activity was significantly correlated with the TTM constructs, and that the TTM constructs had a statistically significant impact on the physical activity. The current study provides starting points for interventions aimed at increasing physical activity levels based on the TTM.