A Needs Assessment for Physical Activity Programming Based on the Transtheoretical Model

The purpose of this study was to (a) examine differences between type of physical activity (PA), college, gender, and body mass index (BMI); and (b) explore the needs of college students in regard to PA programming using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Students at a Midwestern university completed a PA programming questionnaire and the Stages of Change questionnaire. After exclusions, 535 questionnaires were analyzed. Of those surveyed, 45.6% met aerobic PA guidelines, 38.5% met muscle-strengthening guidelines, half of the students were of normal weight, and the other half were overweight or obese. Males participated in more PA than females in both categories. The greatest percentage of students were in the maintenance stage of the TTM (38.1%). In regard to PA programming, the largest percentage of students wanted more variety in times and styles for cardio and strength classes. Future campus recreation professionals could consider utilizing a similar survey to identify demographics and stage of change to better design PA programs.