Effectiveness of a computer tailored physical activity intervention in adolescents compared to a generic advice.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the differences in effects of a computer tailored physical activity advice as compared to generic information in adolescents.


METHODS
Students (mean age, 14.6+/-1.2) out of 90 classes from six different Flemish schools were randomly assigned to the tailored intervention (n=563) or the generic non-tailored intervention (n=608) condition. Both interventions included information on public health recommendations and tips on becoming more active. Participants in both groups received their assessment and feedback at baseline, at 4 weeks and at 3 months during school hours. Physical activity levels were determined using an adolescent adaptation of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).


RESULTS
After 4 weeks, almost all physical activity scores increased over time in both the generic and the tailored intervention group. No differences between groups were found (all F< or =0.07). After 3 months, the generic intervention was more effective for increasing 'walking in leisure time' among students not complying with recommendations. For all other physical activity scores, no differences between groups were found (all F< or =2.3).


CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to the expectations, changes in physical activity scores did not differ between the tailored and the non-tailored intervention group. For most of the physical activity scores increases were found in both groups.
Haerens
Leen
L
Research Foundation-Flanders, Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium. Leen.Haerens@UGent.be
Maes
Lea
L
Vereecken
Carine
C
De Henauw
Stefaan
S
Moreno
Luis
L
De Bourdeaudhuij
Ilse
I
D000293:Adolescent; D001530:Belgium; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires