Effects of a 12-Week Transtheoretical Model-Based Exercise Training Program in Chinese Postoperative Bariatric Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the transtheoretical model (TTM)-based exercise training on TTM variables, exercise adherence, and physical function in patients in the early stages after bariatric surgery (BS). MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effects of TTM-based exercise training on BS patients immediately after surgery. Participants (n = 120) were randomized into a TTM-based exercise training group (n = 60) and a control group (n = 60). Main outcomes included TTM variables (measured by exercise stages of change (ESCs), exercise self-efficacy (ESE), and decisional balance), exercise adherence, and physical function (determined by the 6-min walk distance (6MWD)). Secondary outcomes were physical activity, anthropometrics, and body composition. We performed all analyses in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS Retention rates for the interventions were 91.7% for the intervention group and 90.0% for the control group. Compared with the control group, the 12-week TTM-based intervention significantly helped participants advance through ESCs, demonstrate higher ESE, perceive more benefits and fewer barriers to exercise, and show higher exercise adherence and better physical function afterward (all P < 0.05). However, we observed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in anthropometric parameters or body composition after intervention. CONCLUSION The TTM-based exercise intervention had significant positive effects on the TTM variables, which could further help increase patients' exercise adherence and physical function immediately after BS. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (website: www.chictr.org.cn , registry number: ChiCTR2000039319).