Project GRAD: Two-year outcomes of a randomized controlled physical activity intervention among young adults

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.