title: Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Working Mothers.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based intervention to promote physical activity and self-worth among working mothers.
  
  
  
  Participants (N = 69) were randomly assigned to receive a standard web-based intervention or an enhanced intervention that included group dynamics strategies to promote engagement. The 8-week intervention was guided by self-determination theory. Each week, participants were instructed to complete 3 tasks: listen to a podcast related to well-being, complete a workbook assignment, and communicate with other participants on a discussion board. Participants in the enhanced condition received an additional weekly task to enhance group cohesion. Data were collected at baseline, week 8, and week 16.
  
  
  
  Physical activity (P < .001, η2 = 0.35) and self-worth (P < .001, η2 = 0.39) increased significantly in both groups following the intervention, and introjected (P < .001, η2 = 0.30) and external motivation (P = .04, η2 = 0.10) decreased. Website use declined across the 8-week intervention in both groups (P < .001, η2 = 0.48); however, discussion board use was higher in the enhanced condition (P = .04, η2 = 0.21).
  
  
  
  These findings suggest web-based interventions can improve physical activity and self-worth among working mothers. Group dynamics strategies only minimally enhanced user engagement, and future studies are needed to optimize web-based intervention designs.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
authors.forename: Emily L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Mailey
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huberty
authors.forename: Brandon C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Irwin
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D014931:Women, Working / Q000523:psychology*