Project GRAD: two-year outcomes of a randomized controlled physical activity intervention among young adults. Graduate Ready for Activity Daily.
BACKGROUND
Project Graduate Ready for Activity Daily evaluated a program to promote physical activity through the transition of university graduation in a randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Three hundred thirty-eight university seniors participated in either a cognitive-behavioral intervention course or a knowledge-oriented general health course during the semester before graduation. Behaviorally oriented phone and mail follow-up was delivered to the intervention group for 18 months. Physical activity outcomes and mediating variables were assessed at baseline, 1 and 2 years (93% retention rate).


RESULTS
There were no significant intervention effects on physical activity outcomes at 2 years for either men or women. Experiential and behavioral processes of change were significantly improved for intervention women over 2 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite excellent participation in a theoretically based, well-attended intervention, few long-term effects on physical activity or its mediators were found. Additional research is needed to determine optimal interventions for physical activity and to validate or alter current behavior change theory.
Calfas
K J
KJ
Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, California 92182-4701, USA. kcalfas@mail.sdsu.edu
Sallis
J F
JF
Nichols
J F
JF
Sarkin
J A
JA
Johnson
M F
MF
Caparosa
S
S
Thompson
S
S
Gehrman
C A
CA
Alcaraz
J E
JE
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001527:Behaviorism; D019336:Cognitive Science; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D013689:Telephone; D014481:United States