title: Impact evaluation of a pilot web-based intervention to increase physical activity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this pilot study was to conduct an impact evaluation of a 10-week Web-based physical activity intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quasi-experimental, three-group pretest, posttest design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Large Midwestern university.
  
  
  METHODS
  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).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outcome variables included moderate and vigorous physical activity, self-regulation, social support, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations and expectancies.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise, Sport, and Health Education, Radford University, Virginia 24142, USA. mlgrim@radford.edu
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grim
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hortz
authors.forename: Rick
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Petosa
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D012944:Social Support; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult