Browsing by Person "Mutrie, N."

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A critical review of the validity of measuring stages of change in relation to exercise and moderate physical activity
(2007) Bulley, Catherine; Donaghy, Marie; Payne, A.; Mutrie, N.
Many professionals are integrally involved in the promotion of exercise and physical activity, for specific therapeutic purposes, and with the aim of improving population health and quality of life. Design and evaluation of intervention strategies are frequently underpinned by the Transtheoretical Model, a process-oriented approach to behaviour change. One component of this model is the stage of change structure, which describes a person's behaviour in the context of a change process. It is frequently used to assess current levels of exercise or physical activity participation, and as a measure of change in behaviour following intervention. This paper discusses the importance of validity in the assessment of stages of change for exercise and physical activity. Various different scales exist and have been investigated for validity using comparisons with self-reported outcome measures and physiological markers of activity. Generally, comparative data provide evidence of stage hierarchies relating to both exercise and physical activity. However, this does not establish actual levels of activity represented by stage allocation, limiting its applicability. Further appropriately designed comparisons with objective measures are required if the stage of change structure is to be applied as a meaningful, accurate and sensitive tool for the measurement of physical activity and exercise.
Personal meanings, values and feelings relating to physical activity and exercise participation in female undergraduates: a qualitative exploration
(Sage, 2009) Bulley, Catherine; Donaghy, Marie; Payne, A.; Mutrie, N.
Understanding was sought of the ways that female students understand and feel about physical activity and exercise participation, to inform effective and ethical intervention. Sixteen women participated in semi-structured interviews which were analysed thematically, using QSR NUD*IST 4. Physical activity and exercise proved emotive topics and meant different things to different people. Some women associated physical activity and exercise with enjoyment, or achieving their goals. Others saw exercise in particular as a duty, associated with feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Findings supported the value of promoting realistic goals, and careful choice of activities according to individual preferences.
Physical activity participation of female students: prevalence and change during the first academic year.
(Institute of Health Promotion and Education, 2004) Bulley, Catherine; Donaghy, Marie; Payne, A.; Woodman, Kate; Mutrie, N.
Stages of exercise behaviour change: a pilot study of measurement validity
(Institute of Health Promotion and Education, 2008) Bulley, Catherine; Donaghy, Marie; Payne, A.; Mutrie, N.
Objectives: The Stage of Exercise Behaviour Change (SEBC) scale is used to monitor physical activity levels and change in a variety of contexts. However, there is insufficient conceptual discussion relating to its use and a lack of objective evidence for its validity. Pilot work was undertaken to explore the issues involved in validating a SEBC scale using objective monitoring of exercise behaviour, and subsequent discussion aims to inform future validity studies. Design: Estimates of of physical activity energy expenditure (kilocalories) were calculated for 20 participants, while minutes spent in moderate and vigorous activity were extrapolated from heart rate data in 23 participants. The SEBC scale was completed after a three-day objective monitoring period. Data were compared descriptively and using analysis of variance. Results: Inter-stage differences in objective measurements of energy expenditure and minutes of vigorous activity participation provided hierarchical confirmation of the SEBC scale. Conclusions: Objectively monitored exercise partcipation supported previous work in its confirmation of the Stage of Change hierarchy. However, in order to build confidence in the tool, it will be necessary to explore minutes of exercise participation over a six-month period. This would enable comparison of objectively monitored activity levels against the threshold level of exercise described as the target behaviour. Suggestions are made as to how this could be carried out. A word of caution is provided in relation to current use of SEBC tools in measurement contexts.