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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]

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to clarify and measure the interrelationships among decrease in communication, exercise, and physical and mental health under COVID-19 prevention measures, restricting individuals from going out of the house. Methods: Participants included 540 middle-aged and older adults who are regular exercise class members. The survey was conducted between April 15 and May 10, 2020. For the self- administered questionnaire survey, a municipal employee of City A and an exercise instructor visited the home of each participant to collect the survey data. The survey items were sex, age, limitation of going out, feeling of inactivity, interaction with others, health status, and forgetfulness; a covariance structural analysis was performed to clarify the interrelationship between lifestyle and health status. Results: Restrictions on going out due to the COVID-19 prevention measures were associated with the physical and mental health of middle-aged and older adults who regularly attended exercise classes because they enforced inactivity and decreased the frequency of conversation. Conclusions: Several waves of COVID-19 may arrive in Japan in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures to prevent secondary health damage and not focus only on infection prevention.

Objectives: The breast size causes back pain in women of every age. Back pain is critical for women with increasing age as they gradually lose energy to carry large breasts. Medical advancement in surgery has introduced treatment for large breast sizes. Natural remedies are difficult to take for women to reduce their breast size. This objective of this cross-sectional research was to investigate the impact of health exercise on low back pain in women caused by increased breast size with moderating influence of health literacy and access to doctors. Methods: The primary data was randomly collected from women in gyms and parks focusing on factors that can account for improving the health of women by reducing their back pain. Results: Furthermore, the study contributes a significant model in the body of knowledge related to the health behavior of women concerning their low back pain. Conclusion: Following significant findings, the study has deliberated the theoretical implication that enriched the literature and practical implications to improve the health behavior of women and reduce the chances of low back pain caused by breast size. Finally, this research highlighted some future directions based on research limitations.

Objectives: We developed a comprehensive measure to evaluate 11 domains of maternal social support for physical activity (PA) among Latina adolescents. Methods: The 26-item questionnaire included a version for mothers to rate how often they engaged in behaviors supporting their daughters' PA, and a version for daughters to rate how often their mothers engaged in the same behaviors. Bivariate correlations examined associations between mother-daughter perceived support for daughter's moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and associations between daughter's perceived support for PA and current MVPA. Results: Twenty-one Latina adolescents, which included 20 adolescent-mother dyads, enrolled in the study. Mother-daughter ratings of support showed significant positive correlations for reminders (r = .573, p = .01), watching daughters' sports (r = .566, p = .01), limit-setting (r = .564, p = .01), encouragement (r = .561, p = .01), transportation (r = .544, p = .02). We found statistically significant associations between MVPA and daughters' ratings of their mothers valuing (r = .544, p = .02) and facilitating PA (r = .48, p = .05). Conclusions: Mothers accurately perceive several supportive behaviors for PA given to daughters, but only daughters' perception of received support predicts their MVPA.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated whether exercise prior to memory encoding or during memory consolidation can influence episodic memory function after being exposed to a stressful environment. Methods: We conducted 3 between-group randomized controlled experiments among young adults. We assessed episodic memory (via logic memory task) at the beginning of the experiment and approximately 45 minutes later. Across the 3 experiments, we varied the temporal period (eg, before memory encoding or during consolidation) of the acute bout of exercise (15-minute moderate-intensity exercise) and psychological stress induction. Results: Across all 3 experiments there was a statistically significant main effect for time for memory function, but there were no time x group interaction effects. Conclusion: Memory declined across the 2 assessment periods, but for all 3 experiments, exercise was not associated with memory function after being exposed to a stressful stimulus.

Objectives: In this paper, we describe the degree of exercise and sedentary behavior among individuals with class III obesity, identify perceived benefits and barriers to exercise, and discuss the association of exercise barriers with activity and sedentary behavior. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center. Adults with class III obesity referred to the Bariatric Program completed the exercise benefits/barriers scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form, and the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire. Participants were asked to list additional exercise barriers. Results: The 80 participants engaged in a median of 699.0 MET-minutes/week of physical activity, and were sedentary 10.4 ± 4.5 hours/day. The mean exercise benefits/barriers score was 126.3 ± 12.8 (barrier score = 31.6 ± 5.3, benefit score = 87.8 ± 9.4). Less than 60% identified exercise as enjoyable, or a form of social interaction. More than 60% identified exercise barriers related to physical exertion. Additional barriers included pain and musculoskeletal comorbidities (39.4%), psychological factors (14.7%), and weight (12.6%). There was no statistically significant association between exercise barriers and sedentary behavior (p = .69) or physical activity (p = .08). Conclusions: Participants reported low physical activity, with high sedentary behavior and exercise barriers. Physical exertion, pain and musculoskeletal comorbidities were common barriers, which highlights importance of thoughtful exercise with attention to exercise barriers in this population .

Objectives: The evidence for Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on explaining weight-reduction behaviors (healthy eating [HE] and physical activity [PA]) is inconsistent. Meanwhile, research has acknowledged that the role of weight-related self-stigma may influence HE and PA engagement. We proposed and evaluated an extended TPB model incorporating weight-related self-stigma. Methods: Through convenience sampling, we assessed the TPB factors of university students with overweight (65 men and 39 women). The students completed several questionnaires assessing subjective norms (from normative beliefs), attitudes, perceived behavioral control (from control beliefs), and behavioral intentions (on HE and PA). They also responded to questions regarding their weight-related self-stigma, HE (measured using a questionnaire on maladaptive eating behaviors), and PA. Results: The extended TPB partially explained HE and PA behaviors: weight-related self-stigma was significantly and directly associated with both HE (β = 0.27; p = .001) and PA (β = -0.30; p = .006). Perceived behavioral control was only indirectly associated with PA through intention. Behavioral intention was significantly associated with PA (β = 0.26; p = .044), but not with HE (β = -0.001; p = .99). Conclusions: Our findings partially support the extended TPB; however, our findings should be interpreted with caution because of the poor generalizability caused by our convenience sampling method.

Objective In this study, we examine the effect of providing an incentive for engagement in self-regulatory behaviors (ie, action planning), in inactive, office-based university employees participating in an 11-week, Web-based walking intervention. Methods Participants were randomly assigned to either control (intervention only) or incentive (intervention plus incentive; CAD $5.00 e-gift card delivered weekly for completing action plans over 4 weeks) conditions. Cohen's d was used to estimate the effect of the incentive on action planning and a RM-ANOVA examined differences in average steps/day, between the 2 conditions, before, during, and after the 4-week incentive period. Results Sixty-nine participants were included in the analysis (incentive: N = 34; control: N = 35; 88% female; Mage = 40.46±10.6 years). A large effect size (d = 1.01) in action plan completion was observed, favoring the incentive condition, with the effect of condition remaining high after incentives were withdrawn (d = 1.0). Greater steps/day favored the incentive condition during the post-incentive period (small effect size; d = 0.28). Conclusions Incentives were effective in encouraging engagement in a self-regulatory strategy (action planning). Future research should examine the optimal incentive structure and timing for engagement.

Objectives: We examined the reasons for weight gain and barriers to weight loss among emerging adults with obesity., Methods: Eighty-one female undergraduate students with obesity completed 4-open ended questions in 2015-2016. Qualitative responses were analyzed using NVivo 11 Pro software., Results: Most participants experienced weight gain prior to attending college. The most commonly reported reasons for weight gain include a lack of ability to control one's behaviors or overcome barriers (ie, poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, lack of time, easy access to food), emotional/mental health issues, physical health, and influence of significant others. Nearly half reported having a weight loss goal. Most reported having used one or more weight loss methods. Few reached short-term weight loss but quickly regained the lost weight. Major reported barriers reflect a lack of self-regulation skills, negative mood and stress, and lack of self-efficacy for healthy eating or physical activity., Conclusions: Results suggest that the perceived ability to control one's behaviors and overcome barriers, self-efficacy, and mood are important in weight-related behaviors, weight, and weight loss success among emerging adults, especially those enrolled in college.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine cross-sectional relationships of psychological stress, stress coping, and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in Amer- ican-American (AA) boys and girls., Methods: A community-based sample of 139 AA adolescents (mean age 14.7 years; SD = 1.8 years; 64.7% girls; 30% obese) from Washtenaw County, Michigan was included in this analysis. Psychological stress was assessed using the Daily Stress Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale. Coping strategies were evaluated using the Schoolager's Coping Strategies questionnaire. Physical activity was measured objectively via accelerometry., Results: Compared to boys, girls participated in approximately 13 fewer minutes of MVPA (p < .001) per day and reported significantly higher levels of daily stress (p = .03) and perceived stress (p < .001). In addition, girls reported using a greater number of coping strategies (p = .01) at a greater frequency (p = .04) compared to boys. However, perceived stress significantly predicted lower levels of MVPA (p = .03) in boys only., Conclusions: There are important gender differences in how AA girls perceive, experience, and cope with stress compared to AA boys. Although AA girls reported higher levels of stress and employed more coping strategies, perceived stress was associated with physical inactivity in AA boys, but not girls. Additional research is warranted to better understand the influence of stress on the choice to be physically active in AA youth.

Objectives: In this paper, we report maintenance of behavior change in a nutrition and physical activity intervention for cancer survivors at 12-months follow-up., Methods: The ENRICH (Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health) program was an 8-week face-to-face program for cancer survivors and caregivers, focused on healthy eating, healthy weight, resistance training, and a walking program. Randomized controlled trial participants completed a survey and 7-days of pedometry at baseline, 8-weeks, and 20-weeks. Intervention participants completed 12-month measures. Maintenance was assessed by examining change between 20-weeks and 12-months for cancer survivors., Results: Sixty cancer survivors in the intervention group completed baseline data collection, and 29 (48%) completed 12-month assessments. Initial improvements in step counts, weight, and body mass index were maintained from 20-weeks to 12-months. Vegetable consumption declined significantly (difference -30g/day; p = .04). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased significantly (difference 55 minutes/week; p = .05)., Conclusions: Physical activity and weight improvements were maintained over 12-months indicating the potential for a multiple health behavior intervention to help cancer survivors sustain improvements to lifestyle behaviors. Additional support is warranted to assist cancer survivors to make and maintain dietary changes.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived impact of I am Moving, I am Learning (IMIL) on physical activity (PA) levels, along with family and community involvement in a Head Start program in Illinois., Methods: Employing qualitative methods, data were collected via a parent/caregiver survey and program staff focus groups in Rock Island, Illinois., Results: IMIL was perceived to have made an impact in several areas including knowledge, health-related behaviors, and supportive school and home environments. A positive impact also was reported regarding 6 types of family involvement (parenting, communicating, decision making, volunteering, community collaboration, and learning at home)., Conclusions: Participants in the study reported that IMIL contributed to increased levels of PA and family/community involvement. The participants perceived that the use of IMIL helped parents/caregivers and their children become healthier, by improving the whole family's activity levels. Faculty and staff also reported that there were few barriers related to the implementation and sustainability of IMIL use in childcare settings.

Objective: We examined the association of body image satisfaction (BIS) with physical activity (PA) in university athletes and non-athletes from northern Mexico., Methods: In a non-probability cross-sectional study, 294 participants (51% male, 41% athletes; 18-35 years old) completed 2 self-administered questionnaires to evaluate BIS and PA. We categorized somatotypes (endomorphy-mesomorphy-ectomorphy) by international standardized anthropometry. Data analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test, χ2test, Kendall's Tau-b correlation, binary logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves., Results: Self-perceived sports abilities and desirable body shape predicted 30% of sports participation in students, whereas an endomorphic shape (<5.4 units) and being male predicted 15.4% of sports participation., Conclusions: BIS was a reliable indicator of sports participation among these university students.

Objectives: This systematic review synthesized the scientific literature on theory-based physical activity (PA) interventions in rural populations., Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies with a rural study sample, PA as a primary outcome, use of a behavioral theory or model, randomized or quasi-experimental research design, and application at the primary and/or secondary level of prevention., Results: Thirty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. The Social Cognitive Theory (N = 14) and Transtheoretical Model (N = 10) were the most frequently identified theories; however, most intervention studies were informed by theory but lacked higher-level theoretical application and testing. Interventions largely took place in schools (N = 10) and with female-only samples (N = 8). Findings demonstrated that theory-based PA interventions are mostly successful at increasing PA in rural populations but require improvement., Conclusions: Future studies should incorporate higher levels of theoretical application, and should explore adapting or developing rural-specific theories. Study designs should employ more rigorous research methods to decrease bias and increase validity of findings. Follow-up assessments to determine behavioral maintenance and/or intervention sustainability are warranted. Finally, funding agencies and journals are encouraged to adopt rural-urban commuting area codes as the standard for defining rural.

Objective: Our aim was to assess the potential relationships among happiness, physical activity, and smoking initiation among undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia., Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of randomly selected first- to fifth-year undergraduate medical students. Smoking initiation was defined as "ever trying smoking a cigarette, waterpipe, cigar/cigarillo, or other type of tobacco, even one or 2 puffs." The short scale Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was used to assess each student's happiness. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed., Results: Of the 406 students surveyed (208 boys, 198 girls), 86 (21.1%) had initiated smoking. We found an interaction between physical activity (PA) and happiness on smoking initiation (p-interaction = .012). Among boys with low levels of PA, lower levels of happiness were associated with a greater likelihood of smoking initiation (OR = 5.8, 95%CI = 1.9 - 17.5). Also, high levels of PA increased the chance of smoking initiation among male students with high levels of happiness (OR = 5.6, 95%CI = 2.1 - 14.5)., Conclusion: Our results suggest that young men with low levels of happiness and low levels of PA, as well as high levels of PA and high levels of happiness, may be targeted as a priority population in tobacco control intervention programs.

Objectives: We sought to quantify the aerobic exercise intention-behavior gap in hematologic cancer survivors (HCS), and examine the correlates of intention formation and translation using the multi-process action control framework., Methods: HCS (N = 606) completed a survey reporting their aerobic exercise motivation and behavior. The correlates of intention formation and translation were analyzed using separate logistic regressions., Results: Overall, 71% (N = 428/606) of HCS intended to do aerobic exercise, 44% (N = 267/606) met aerobic exercise guidelines, and 60% of intenders (N = 256/428) translated their intention into aerobic exercise. Attitude (OR = 1.9), perceived control (OR = 1.5), younger age (OR = 2.0), and higher education (OR = 2.1) explained intention formation (all ps ≤ .001). A sense of obligation/regret (OR = 2.8), self-regulation over alternative activities (OR = 1.6), attitude (OR = 2.0), perceived control (OR = 1.7), planning (OR = 1.7), being female (OR = 2.0), and younger (OR = 3.0) explained intention translation (all ps < .005)., Conclusions: Forming an intention is insufficient for many HCS to meet aerobic exercise guidelines. Interventions targeting the determinants of both intention formation and translation may be most effective in promoting aerobic exercise in cancer survivors.

Objectives: We examined whether social networks and resource awareness for physical activity may mediate the relationship between civic group participation and physical activity., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of a randomly selected sample of 335 Latinos (mean age 42.1 ± 16.4 years) participating in the San Diego Prevention Research Center's 2009 Household Community Survey. Serial multiple mediation analysis tested the hypothesis that civic group participation is associated with meeting physical activity recommendations through an indirect mechanism of larger social networks followed by greater knowledge of physical activity community resources., Results: The indirect effects of level of civic group participation as well as religious, health, neighborhood, or arts group participation on meeting national physical activity recommendations were significant in models testing pathways through social network size and physical activity resource awareness. The direct effect was only significant for health group indicating that participating in a health group predicted physical activity independent of social network size and awareness of physical activity resources., Conclusion: Belonging to civic groups may promote physical activity engagement through social network diffusion of information on community physical activity resources which has implications for health.

Objective: Feasibility trials assess whether a behavior change program warrants a definite trial evaluation. This paper reports the feasibility of an intervention consisting of Self Determination Theory-informed text messages, pedometers, and goal prompts to increase adolescent physical activity., Methods: A 4-group randomized design with baseline and immediate post-study assessments was used. Groups (pedometer; pedometer + goal prompt; pedometer + goal prompt + theory-informed texts; no-treatment control) were systematically varied to assess the additive effect of intervention components on objectively measured physical activity (ie, ActiGraph). The primary outcome of the 12-week intervention was program feasibility. Changes in average daily step counts and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity also were examined. Post-intervention research with a subset of participants examined program reactions., Results: Participants (N = 160) were evenly split by sex, mostly 14-15 years old, and of diverse race/ethnicity. Feasibility criteria were met. The attrition rate was less than 2%. Modest increases in average daily step counts and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were observed in all groups except the control group. Participants reported positive reactions to the intervention., Conclusions: An intervention consisting of pedometers, theory-informed texts, and goal prompts, is a feasible and acceptable method for promoting physical activity to adolescents.

Objective: We examined the impact of threat appraisal (TA) on Type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related protective behaviors among high-risk college students., Methods: Using a Web-based survey, we collected data from 319 overweight or obese undergraduate students attending one of 4 Texas colleges/universities. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses determined the association between the outcome variable, fruits and vegetables (F&V) consumption and physical activity (PA), and TA., Results: Demographic characteristics were entered at step 1, explaining 7% of variance in F&V consumption and 6% in PA. After TA was entered in block 2, the total variance explained changed by only .008% for F&V consumption and .009% for PA., Conclusions: TA did not predict T2D protective behaviors and reduced variability in the model. Being female, as well as having a T2D family history, was significantly associated with increased TA. Results can inform the planning, implementing, and evaluating of health promotion programs.

Objectives: Exercising with a virtual partner can increase motivation by 208%, but may be moderated by partner characteristics. We tested the impact of social category diversity (ingroup/outgroup membership) on motivation with a virtual exercise partner., Methods: Participants (N = 96) were randomized in a 3 (CONDITION: individual, partner-ingroup, partner-outgroup) x 2 (sex) x 2 (performance block: Block 1 & Block 2) design. Participants performed 2 sets of 5 abdominal plank exercises. Partnered conditions completed the second set of exercises with a virtual partner from either an ingroup ('Us') or outgroup ('Them'). Motivation was measured as fatigue-corrected exercise persistence (s)., Results: Partnered conditions exercised longer (M = 67.31s, SD = 63.53s) than the individual condition. The 'Us' condition persisted longer (M = 79.61s, SD = 61.92s) than the 'Them' condition (M = 55.02s, SD = 65.14s), although this difference only approached significance (p = .127)., Conclusions: Social category diversity is unlikely to undermine motivating effects of a moderately superior virtual partner. Group leaders and algorithms for group-based online interventions should consider partnering those who struggle to meet recommended levels of intensity and duration of physical activity with a moderately superior partner.

Objective: To examine the associations of father-child feeding and physical interactions with dietary practices and weight status in children., Methods: A nationally representative sample of children, mothers, and fathers who participated in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth cohort study (N = 2441) was used to explore the relationship of father-child feeding and physical activity interactions with child dietary practices and weight status. Logistic multivariable regression analyses were adjusted for child, father, mother, and socio-demographic characteristics., Results: Approximately 40% of fathers reported having a great deal of influence on their preschool child's nutrition and about 50% reported daily involvement in preparing food for their child and assisting their child with eating. Children had over 2 times the odds of consuming fast food at least once a week if fathers reported eating out with their child a few times a week compared to fathers who reported rarely or never eating out with their child (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.94-4.29), adjusting for all covariates. Whether fathers reported eating out with their children was also significantly associated with children's sweetened beverage intake., Conclusions: Potentially modifiable behaviors that support healthy dietary practices in children may be supported by targeting fathers.

Objectives: First generation students transitioning to college experience specific challenges that impact on their engagement in physical activity. Furthermore, this population experiences a context disruption that provides a unique opportunity to examine whether intention and habit predict physical activity. The aim of the current research was to determine the efficacy of the theory of planned behavior in the prediction of intention and behavior within this population, and to determine whether habit contributes to the prediction of physical activity., Methods: In this observational study, a convenience sample of first generation college students (N = 101) completed measures of theory of planned behavior variables and habit strength at Time 1, and one week later reported physical activity., Results: The theory of planned behavior was partially supported in this context, as intention was the only significant predictor of behavior. Habit strength accounted for additional variance in physical activity but did not moderate the relationship between intention and behavior. The hypothesized model accounted for 46.9% of the variance in physical activity, and intention (β = .455) and habit (β = .364) were significant predictors., Conclusions: Intention and habit exert independent effects on physical activity within this population, and are both suitable targets for intervention.

Objectives: Research has demonstrated that health outcomes are significantly improved with the application of financial incentives. However, relatively larger incentives are not typically sustainable and removal of incentives tends to result in attrition of behavior. The feasibility of using relatively smaller incentives to improve physical activity is unclear. The aim of the present study is to determine whether small financial incentives (maximum $5.00 per week) can improve exercise-related energy expenditure of inactive individuals., Methods: Twenty-two university students (20 ±1.6 years old) were randomized into incentive or non-incentive conditions. Exercise-related caloric expenditure was tracked over 10 weeks., Results: The sample size yielded 62% power. The repeated measures ANCOVA, controlling for body mass index, indicated a main effect of condition (F = 5.50, p =.03) with no significant interaction (F = 2.25, p = .06)., Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates initial feasibility in implementing small financial incentives to promote exercise behavior in previously inactive young adults. Due to the small sample size, results should be interpreted with caution and further research is warranted to improve and maintain exercise behavior in response to relatively smaller incentives.

Objective: To evaluate the correlates of physical activity (PA) participation among white and black individuals with diagnosed arthritis., Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design, grounded in the Social Ecological Model. Participants (N = 205) completed a survey regarding PA participation and potential correlates of PA. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the correlates of PA., Results: Nearly 30% of the population met the current guidelines for aerobic PA. A greater proportion of Whites (35.3%) than Blacks (20.9%) met current guidelines (χ(2) = 4.98, p = .03). In bivariate analyses, ethnicity, income, body mass index, self-efficacy for exercise, exercise outcome expectations, physical function, physician advice to exercise, and perceived safety from neighborhood crime and traffic were associated with meeting PA guidelines (p < .05). In regression analyses adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics, exercise self-efficacy and physician's advice to exercise were the only significant predictors of PA (p < .05). This finding was confirmed with stepwise forward regression., Conclusions: PA interventions for people with arthritis should focus on enhancing self-efficacy for exercise and include strategies to optimize communication about PA by healthcare providers.

Objectives: To explore whether HEXACO personality domains could incrementally increase the prediction of exercise behavior above Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables, and whether personality moderated the intention-behavior gap., Methods: US College students (N = 1017) completed demographic, TPB, HEXACO domain and exercise behavior measures., Results: The TPB predicted physical activity, accounting for 45% and 39% of variance in intention and behavior, respectively. Regarding personality domains, lower emotionality significantly predicted intention, and lower honesty-humility significantly predicted behavior, but these were small effects. Personality did not moderate the intention-behavior gap., Conclusions: Personality has a limited direct role in predicting exercise intention and behavior beyond the TPB. The prediction of exercise behavior from honesty-humility highlights the importance of considering the HEXACO personality model.

Objectives: To evaluate psychometric properties of a Social Support and Peer Norms Scale in 5th-7th grade urban girls., Methods: Baseline data from 509 girls and test-retest data from another 94 girls in the Midwestern US were used., Results: Cronbach's alpha was .83 for the Social Support Scale and .72 for the Peer Norms Scale, whereas test-re-test reliability was .78 for both scales. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single factor structure for the Social Support Scale, and a 3-factor structure for the Peer Norms Scale. Social support was correlated with accelerometer-measured physical activity (r = .13, p = .006), and peer norms (r = .50, p < .0001)., Conclusions: Both scales have adequate psychometric properties.

Objectives: To examine the contribution of social cognitive constructs to meeting physical activity (PA) recommendations in rural breast cancer survivors (BCS)., Methods: Rural BCS (N = 483) completed a mail-based survey. PA, fatigue, barriers and exercise self-efficacy, environment, social support, and perceived barriers to PA were assessed. PA was dichotomized into either meeting guidelines (150+minutes/week) or not., Results: Our model fit the data well with less fatigue, greater efficacy, and lower barriers being associated with PA (χ²=804.532(418), p < .001, CFI=.948, RMSEA=.044, SRMR=.046)., Conclusions: Fatigue, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers are key targets for future interventions designed to increase PA in rural BCS. Enhancing self-efficacy and overcoming barriers will require strategies unique and relevant to BCS living in rural settings.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of expectations on effectiveness of exercise in reducing psychological distress., Method: Data came from a Swedish longitudinal population-based study consisting of 4631 people aged 20-64 years. Psychological distress was measured with the Major Depressive Inventory. Expectations (positive expectations or indifference) towards exercise were combined with exercise (regular exercise: yes or no)., Results: Indifferent non-exercisers had increased risk of psychological distress. Regular exercisers who were indifferent towards exercise as a self-help method were less likely to be psychologically distressed compared to exercisers with positive expectations., Conclusion: The results encourage systematic use of exercise in prevention and rehabilitation of persons suffering from psychological distress. People's personal expectations might not be needed for treatment effect.

Objective: To identify factors that facilitate adherence to physical activity among employed women., Methods: Participants were 103 employed women (Mean 44.4 years ±11.8). Measures included physical activity by accelerometry, location by global positioning systems, and psychosocial constructs, perception of worksite policies and the built environment by questionnaire., Results: Meeting physical activity recommendations was significantly associated with use of the built environment, self-regulation, perception of higher land-use mix diversity, and perception of lower infrastructure and safety for walking. Perception of worksite policies, self-efficacy, and social support were not associated with meeting recommendations., Conclusions: The findings provide evidence that working women's physical activity behavior is influenced by both psychosocial and environmental factors.

Objectives: To identify client priorities prior to wellness coaching, and examine motivational improvements for health behaviors on follow-up., Methods: Clients completed a wellness questionnaire at baseline (before coaching) and at a 3-month follow-up. Overall, 177 participants (92% female, average age 42.9 (SD 11.2) years) were included in the analysis. Clients indicated priorities for coaching, and levels of importance, confidence, and readiness to change within each domain were compared between baseline and follow-up., Results: Participants identified weight management as their top priority and successfully reduced their BMI. Participants also demonstrated significant improvements in motivation and confidence in most health behavior domains., Conclusions: These results provide further support for the effectiveness of wellness coaching for weight management and for improving motivational readiness for behavior change.

Objectives: To study the associations of screen time (Internet / video games / television) with health-related behaviors and outcomes in adolescents., Methods: Regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of screen time with several health-related behaviors and outcomes in 2425 Dutch adolescents., Results: Screen time was associated with bullying, being bullied, less physical activity, skipping school, alcohol use and unhealthy eating habits. Compulsive and excessive screen times were associated respectively with several psychosocial problems and being overweight., Conclusions: Screen time was of significant importance to adolescent health. Behavioral interrelatedness caused significant confounding in the studied relations when behaviors were analyzed separately compared to a multi-behavioral approach, which speaks for more multi-behavioral analyses in future studies.

Objectives: To assess the physical and psychological effects across 11 weeks of music-exercise sessions, the participants' training experience, and attitudes towards physical activity. The effect of different music information was also investigated., Methods: Overall, 146 sedentary volunteers were randomized into 4 exercise groups and each group received different music information. Physical capacity and psychological measures were obtained., Results: Increased performance in oxygen uptake and flexibility and decreased blood pressure was found. Participants reported increased wellbeing and body-awareness, and an intention to remain physically active. No differences between groups were found., Conclusion: Music-exercise can be recommended to promote physical activity among sedentary individuals. The amount of musical information in synchronous music seems not to have any effects on self-selected intensity or physiological benefits.

Objective: To examine associations between time perspective and smoking, body mass index, and exercise., Methods: In this community-based survey, adults reported smoking and exercise habits and weight and height and completed the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory., Results: Subjects (N=265) who were more future oriented reported more frequent exercise, but were more likely to smoke. Fatalistic and hedonistic present orientations were not associated with smoking, obesity, or exercise., Conclusions: Time perspective is not consistently associated with common health behaviors in adults.

Objectives: To examine whether participants who watched an exercise-related segment of The Biggest Loser television program would have different explicit and implicit affective exercise-related attitudes than those of control participants., Methods: University students (N=138) watched a clip of The Biggest Loser or American Idol, then completed a Go/No-go Association Task, a thought-listing task, and questionnaires measuring explicit attitudes, activity level, and mood., Results: Participants who watched The Biggest Loser had significantly lower explicit, but not implicit, attitudes towards exercise than did control participants., Conclusions: There is a need to examine the influence of popular media depictions of exercise.

Objectives: To develop the Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale (EFAS) to measure fear of exercise-induced discomfort., Methods: We conducted principal component analysis to determine component structure and Cronbach's alpha to assess internal consistency of the EFAS. Relationships between EFAS scores, BMI, physical activity, and pain were analyzed using multivariate regression., Results: The best fit was a 3-component structure: weight-specific fears, cardiorespiratory fears, and musculoskeletal fears. Cronbach's alpha for the EFAS was α=.86. EFAS scores significantly predicted BMI, physical activity, and PDI scores., Conclusion: Psychometric properties of this scale suggest it may be useful for tailoring exercise prescriptions to address fear of exercise-related discomfort.

Objective: To describe the development of measures of worksite descriptive social norms for weight loss, physical activity, and eating behaviors., Methods: Three surveys were tested in 844 public high school employees. Factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, and tests of association with other worksite social contextual measures and behaviors were performed., Results: Each survey demonstrated high internal consistency and was associated with measures of social support and behaviors. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the reliability of the weight-loss and eating-behavior norms surveys, but not the physical-activity norms survey., Conclusions: The weight-loss and eating norms surveys are reliable, valid measures.

Objective: To examine the relation of 2 measures of anhedonia-a specific facet of depression indicative of inability to experience pleasure-to physical activity (PA)., Method: Cross-sectional correlational survey study of 157 college students (73% female, M age 19.9 years)., Results: One or both measures of anhedonia were inversely associated with walking frequency, moderate-intensity PA frequency and duration, and vigorous-intensity PA frequency and duration (βs -16 to -.27, Ps < .05). Some of these associations were statistically mediated by lower PA enjoyment., Conclusions: Deficient pleasure may be an important affective mechanism underlying PA behavior.

Objective: To examine social cognitive factors associated with physical activity (PA) among preadolescent girls., Method: Social cognitive theory was used to examine PA in girls (N=90; 71% African American) participating in Girls on the Run. Multiple regressions explored factors associated with PA at posttesting and 3-month follow-up., Results: Significant increases in PA, social influences, and self-efficacy were found, which were sustained at 3-month follow-up. Self-efficacy and social influences had the strongest relations to PA at posttest; self-efficacy remained the strongest predictor of PA at 3-month follow-up., Conclusions: Social support and self-efficacy are important targets of PA interventions in preadolescent girls.

Objective: To study the effects of college students' physical activity and gender on depressive and suicidal symptoms., Method: The National College Health Assessment survey was administered to college students nationwide. Data were analyzed with 4x2 ANOVAs and Games-Howell post hoc tests when appropriate., Results: More frequent physical activity related to less frequent depressive symptoms and consideration of suicide, but not with attempted suicide. Males reported depressive symptoms less frequently than did females., Conclusion: Depression research has implications for an increasingly sedentary college population. Institutions should provide increased access and knowledge pertaining to emotional health and psychological benefits through physical activity.

Objectives: To compare physical activity (PA) and exercise dependence (ED) in 267 weight-loss maintainers (WLM) and 213 normal-weight (NW) controls., Methods: PA and ED assessed via accelerometery and the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire., Results: WLM had higher PA levels and ED scores than those of NW (P< 0.0001). WLM status (P=.006) and higher PA (P=.0001) were independently related to higher ED, although effect sizes were larger for PA. Exercising for weight control was the ED domain that most discriminated WLM from NW., Conclusions: WLM have higher ED scores than do NW, but this is mostly due to exercising for weight control.

Objective: To examine the home environments of overweight and normal-weight adults and the relationships between the environment and weight-regulating behaviors., Methods: Overweight (n=201) and normal-weight adults (n=213) assessed their homes via checklist and self-reported their eating and activity habits., Results: OW adults had less exercise equipment, fewer low-fat snacks and fruits/vegetables, and more TVs, high-fat snacks, and spreads than did NW adults (Ps<.01). These variables were associated (Ps<.05) with weight-regulating behaviors., Conclusions: Increasing healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity within the home may improve weight-control efforts in adults.

Objectives: To examine hope in relation to alcohol use, binge drinking, smoking, exercise, and limiting of dietary fat among college students., Methods: Undergraduate students (N=2265) completed an online survey., Results: Lower hope scores were related to binge drinking and smoking in the past month and more frequent drinking and binge drinking, controlling for sociodemographics. Higher hope scores were related to greater likelihood of and more frequent exercising and fat limitation in the past month., Conclusions: Interventions to improve college student health behaviors should target hope.

Objectives: To determine demographic, medical, social cognitive, and environmental predictors of aerobic physical activity and resistance training in a population sample of adults with type 2 diabetes., Methods: Two hundred forty-four (244) participants completed questionnaires with a 3-month follow-up. Multiple and logistic regression models examined predictors of aerobic activity and resistance training., Results: Several factors were associated with higher levels of both aerobic physical activity and resistance training; self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for both modes of activity., Conclusions: The findings can guide physical activity promotion interventions and programs for this population, profiling those who are least active.

Objectives: To examine exercise engagement motives from adolescence throughout the adult life span using the Exercise Motivation Inventory 2 questionnaire., Methods: Two hundred fifty-five (255) participants, 13 - 84 years and equally representing both genders, were grouped by age and sex., Results: An age-dependent engagement in voluntary exercise was observed. Young adults engage in exercise based on interpersonal motives, whereas exercise engagement in middle age is associated with body-related motives and psychological motives. Health motives influence exercise engagement beyond middle age whereas fitness motives underpin exercise engagement throughout the life span beyond childhood., Conclusions: Data indicate age-dependent motivational factors for exercise engagement that may hold important implications for exercise adherence and engagement strategies.

Objective: To examine the role of music and social contact on exercise benefits., Methods: Two hundred twenty-nine (n = 229) students were randomly assigned to one of 6 conditions: biking alone with iPod or friend in a laboratory, walking alone with iPod or friend outdoors, or biking or walking alone in control conditions. All participants completed 20 minutes of exercise at 70% of their maximum target heart rate., Results: Exercising in control conditions indoors resulted in a more relaxed and calm response. Exercising outdoors was more enjoyable and resulted in less tension and stress., Conclusions: Exercise environment impacts psychological benefits of exercise.

Objectives: To determine whether self-reported exercise duration and intensity matched accelerometer data in sedentary endometrial cancer survivors and age-matched controls., Methods: Participants were asked to wear an accelerometer and self-report exercise bouts, duration, and intensity for one week. Self-reported duration was compared with accelerometer data., Results: Self-reported exercise-bout duration matched accelerometer duration 93% for survivors and 99% for controls. Self-reported exercise-bout intensity matched accelerometer intensity 70% for survivors and 66% for controls. There were no significant differences between groups., Conclusions: Sedentary endometrial cancer survivors and controls self-reported duration and intensity of physical activity consistent with accelerometer data.

Objectives: To produce evidence for factor validity and longitudinal invariance of scales used to examine the theory of planned behavior applied to physical activity., Methods: Self-report questionnaires were administered at 3- (n = 267) and 12-months (n = 333) postpartum., Results: A single-factor model fit data from the normative beliefs, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral beliefs scales. Attitude and control beliefs were found to be multidimensional. Longitudinal invariance of all scales was supported., Conclusions: Each scale had strong validity evidence. Future research using these measures will help identify areas for intervention and reveal how changes in these constructs influence physical activity.

Objectives: To determine if different dimensions of outcome expectations are mediators between self-efficacy and exercise among college students., Methods: Students (n = 290) reported exercise levels, self-efficacy, and expectations using a Web-based questionnaire. Factor analysis was performed to identify dimensions of expectations; regression analyses tested whether each factor mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and exercise., Results: Physical, mental, social, and self-evaluative expectations emerged from the factor analysis, but none was associated with exercise independent of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, however, was significantly associated with exercise independent of expectations (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: College students' activity expectations are multidimensional, but do not mediate the relationship between self-efficacy and exercise.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a social cognitive theory (SCT) Web site intervention on college female physical activity and to determine if SCT variables mediated physical activity., Methods: Ninety-one sedentary volunteers (intervention n = 45; control n = 46) completed questionnaires measuring self-regulation, outcome expectancy value, self-efficacy, and physical activity at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months., Results: The intervention increased days of moderate physical activity at 6 weeks, and self-regulation mediated this effect. The effect was not sustained at 6 months., Conclusion: E-communications is an effective method to acutely increase self-regulation skills and moderate physical activity.