Impact evaluation of a pilot web-based intervention to increase physical activity.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this pilot study was to conduct an impact evaluation of a 10-week Web-based physical activity intervention.

DESIGN

Quasi-experimental, three-group pretest, posttest design.

SETTING

Large Midwestern university.

SUBJECTS

Participants (N = 233) included college students registered for three courses. The study employed a convenience sample consisting of a Web-based group (n = 108), a physical activity group (n = 64), and a general health group (n = 61).

INTERVENTION

The Web-based group received a Social Cognitive Theory behavioral skill-building intervention and exercised 3 days per week in their leisure time. The physical activity group received exercise instruction and was required to attend three physical activity labs per week. The comparison group received health instruction.

MEASURES

Outcome variables included moderate and vigorous physical activity, self-regulation, social support, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations and expectancies.

ANALYSIS

Differences between groups were assessed at pretest and posttest using multiple analyses of variance.

RESULTS

Vigorous physical activity, self-regulation, and outcome expectancy value changed significantly in the Web-based and physical activity course groups (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Even with consideration of limitations such as small sample size and lack of randomization, the Web-based and traditional physical activity lecture and activity lab interventions were superior in eliciting changes in vigorous physical activity, self-regulation, and outcome expectancy value than a traditional health course.