Evaluation of a university course to promote physical activity: Project GRAD

Project GRAD (Graduate Ready for Activity Daily) evaluates a university cou rse to promote physical activity. In a randomized study 338 university seni ors participated in either an intervention course for academic credit, and posttest data were collected on 321. The control course was knowledge-orien ted. The intervention course taught behavior change skills in weeks lecture s and peer-led labs. Physical activity was assessed with 7-Day Physical Act ivity Recall interviews. The intervention had no significant effects on men . Among women, the intervention increased total physical activity during le isure, strengthening exercises, and flexibility exercises. This university course had the intended effects of promoting healthful patterns of physical activity among women, but not effects were observed on men, who were more active than women at baseline.