Using the transtheoretical model to examine the effects of exergaming on physical activity among children

Background: The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has been widely used to understand individuals' physical activity (PA) correlates and behavior. However, the theory's application among children in exergaming remains unknown. Purpose: Investigate the effects of an exergaming program on children's TTM-based PA correlates and PA levels. Methods: At pretest and posttest, 212 upper elementary children (mean age = 11.17 years) from the greater Mountain West Region were administered measures regarding stages of change (SOC) for PA behavior, decisional balance for PA behaviors, PA self-efficacy, and self-reported PA levels. Following the pretest, a weekly 30-minute, 18-week Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) program was implemented. Children were classified into 3 SOC groups: progressive children (ie, progressed to a higher SOC stage); stable children (ie, remained at the same SOC stage); and regressive children (ie, regressed to a lower SOC stage). Results: Progressive children had greater increased PA levels than regressive children (P < .01) from pretest to posttest. Similarly, progressive children had greater increased self-efficacy (P < .05) and decision balance (P < .05) than regressive children. Conclusions: The findings indicate that progressive children had more improvements on self-efficacy, decisional balance, and PA levels than regressive children over time. Implications of findings are discussed.