Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the concurrent validity of the stages of exercise behavior change based on body composition by using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Numerous studies have investigated the validity of the stages of exercise behavior change. However, the evidence available regarding the validity of these stages based on body composition is inadequate. DXA can reliably estimate the body composition, and its use is minimally stressful for most individuals. Participants were 193 female Japanese university students in various stages of change regarding exercise; their body compositions were estimated. The participants classified as being in the action and maintenance stages exhibited the lowest percent body fat and the highest bone-free lean mass, as measured by DXA. These results offer additional partially support for the validity of the stages of exercise behavior change based on body composition by using DXA.
