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The goal of this study was to describe the salient perceived barriers to exercise in three different groups and to examine the perceived barriers characterizing individuals with a high or a low intention to exercise in the context of the theory of planned behavior.

Cross-sectional studies relating perceived barriers and intention to exercise were utilized.

Three independent samples were used: general population (n=349), individuals who have suffered from coronary heart disease (n=162), and pregnant women (n=139).

Firstly, standard elicitation procedures were applied to identify the particular perceived barriers characterizing each population. Then, three self-administered questionnaires, one per sample, were used to measure perceived barriers and intention to exercise.

MANOVA analyses contrasting high and low intenders indicated a significant difference in perceived barriers …