Effect of education based on trans-theoretical model on promoting physical activity and increasing physical work capacity

Increasing physical activity is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of some chronic non-contagious diseases. Various methods have been created and validated in order to assess the factors effecting physical activity. The most applied method for this purpose is the Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM). This study was performed with the aim of assessing the effect of educational program for increasing physical activity and physical capacity by using TTM in one of governmental centers employees. This quasi-experimental interventional study was performed on a defensive industry employees in year 2009. 60 male employees aged between 20 – 57 years old were selected by simple random sampling. They were divided into two groups (each containing 30 employees), the experimental and the control group. Questionnaires were completed before and three months after intervention and physical capacity was measured by Ergo-meter bicycle. Educational programs were implied in experimental group. Data was analyzed by SPSS 13. In stage of change after intervention, the experimental group had a significant positive progress (p=0.001). Mean physical capacity score had significant improvement after finishing educational program, in experimental group (p=0.016). Self–efficacy and total decisional balance and process of change scores were higher after intervention in experimental group (p<0.001). TTM based educational programs are effective in improving physical capacity and physical activity of governmental center employees.