Abstract
The field of athletic training continues to evolve and mature as an integral part of the overall health care team. The National Athletic Trainers? Association and Commission on Athletic Training Education acknowledge and emphasize the importance and responsibility of athletic trainers in meeting the national health agenda through the professional preparation of its current and future practitioners. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has established priorities for improving the nation?s health in a document called Healthy People 2020. Physical activity is a major component for most of the topic areas, positioning athletic trainers to significantly contribute towards achieving the objectives. Despite knowledge regarding the benefits of physical activity, research indicates that less than 25% of American adults meet the recommended guidelines for exercise. Effective strategies to promote exercise adherence must incorporate an expanded perspective of potential barriers and a deeper understanding of other factors that affect the decision to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Further training in social and behavioral theory will improve athletic trainers? ability to communicate with clients by applying concepts that enhance self-efficacy, promote outcome expectancies, and strengthen intentions to actively engage in recommended levels of physical activity. The purpose of this paper is to enhance understanding of fundamental social and behavioral theory, with reference to athletic training, in order to promote its application in athletic training education and practice. This will enable athletic trainers to continue to work towards meeting the goals established by Healthy People 2020.