Kj. Calfas et al., Project GRAD: Two-year outcomes of a randomized controlled physical activity intervention among young adults, AM J PREV M, 18(1), 2000, pp. 28-37
Introduction: Project Graduate Ready for Activity Daily evaluated a program
to promote physical activity through the transition of university graduati
on in a randomized controlled trial.
Methods: Three hundred thirty-eight university seniors participated in eith
er a cognitive-behavioral intervention course or a knowledge-oriented gener
al health course during the semester before graduation. Behaviorally orient
ed phone and mail follow-up was delivered to the intervention group for 18
months. Physical activity outcomes and mediating variables were assessed at
baseline, I and 2 years (93% retention rate).
Results: There were no significant intervention effects on physical activit
y outcomes at 2 years for either men or women. Experiential and behavioral
processes of change were significantly improved for intervention women over
2 years.
Conclusions: Despite excellent participation in a theoretically based, well
-attended intervention, few long-term effects on physical activity or its m
ediators were found. Additional research is needed to determine optimal int
erventions for physical activity and to validate or alter current behavior
change theory.