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Objectives: In this study, we examined the inter-relationships between Transtheoretical Model (TTM) constructs (stages of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, processes of change) and determined the utility of TTM to predict physical activity in African-American youth. Methods: A community-based sample of 109 African-American youth (62% girls, age: 14.8 ± 0.2 years) were included in this analysis. TTM constructs were assessed using the Patient-Centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise questionnaire. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity (TPA) were measured objectively using accelerometry. Results: Higher selfefficacy was observed at higher stages of change in both boys and girls (p = .02). Despite higher MVPA (p < .001) and TPA (p < .001) in boys, there were no sex differences in TTM constructs (p > .05). Stages of change predicted MVPA in girls, with those in the maintenance stage reporting significantly more MVPA compared to those in precontemplation/contemplation (p = .03) and preparation stages (p = .04). Cons predicted higher TPA in boys only (p = .02). Conclusions: These findings suggest specific TTM constructs relate to physical activity in African-American youth and the importance of these constructs may differ by sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Exercise may help to cope with hectic or demanding events after a stressful situation occurs. Limited research has evaluated whether exercise, prior to a stressor, helps to facilitate subsequent emotional regulation. This pilot study addresses this novel paradigm. We employed a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of acute exercise on emotional regulation. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to stretch (control group, N = 10), walk (N = 9), or jog (N = 8) for 15-minutes, after which they were exposed to a film clip intended to elicit a negative emotional response. Participants' emotions were monitored before and during exercise, as well as after the film clip. Emotional responses were evaluated using the Exercise Induced Feeling Inventory and Affective Circumplex Scale. Results: A group x time split-plot interaction effect was significant for anger (p = .046) and anxiousness (p = .038). Follow-up analyses showed that only the stretching group (p = .048) had a significantly increased anger score from baseline to post-film clip, suggesting a protective emotional effect from walking and jogging. Conclusions: Exercise was effective in regulating anger and anxiousness after a stressful event. These findings provide evidence for potential preventive effects of exercise in facilitating emotional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]