title: A comparison of face-to-face or internet-delivered physical activity intervention on targeted determinants.
abstract: This article describes the equivalency testing results of a 12-week behavior change program on targeted determinates of physical activity (PA) and self-reported health status. Participants (n = 192) were randomized to face-to-face, combined Internet and face-to-face, and Internet-only groups. Equivalency testing was used to examine differences and statistical equivalency across groups for all outcome measures (social support, self-efficacy, perceived health status, and motivational readiness for PA). Participants were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 2 and 5 months postintervention. Motivational readiness for PA increased across all groups. The face-to-face and combined groups showed changes in social support; however, they were not statistically different and were equivalent. There were no changes in self-efficacy or physical health status. Overall face-to-face and the Internet delivery modes show similar results. If Internet-based programs can be shown to be as effective as face-to-face, they may in turn be a more efficient and cost-effective delivery method.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Metabolic Sciences, Medical Research Council, Cambridge CB20QQ, UK. rebekah.steele@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Rebekah M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Steele
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Mummery
authors.forename: Trudy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dwyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003142:Communication; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors