Acceptability,feasibility and effectiveness of a computer-tailored physical activity intervention in adolescents

Objective

To evaluate acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of computer-tailored physical activity education among adolescents.

Methods

Two classes of 7th graders from 10 randomly selected schools were assigned to the intervention (computer-tailored intervention, n = 139) or control (no-intervention, n = 142) condition. Questionnaires were completed 1 week before and 3 months after the intervention. The computer-tailored intervention was completed during classes.

Results

Students had few problems with the diagnostic questions and with the use of a computer. About half of the students evaluated the advice as interesting and easy to understand and about 40% as personally relevant, easy to use and credible. Half of students evaluated the advice as too long and only 33% reported to have used the advice. The computer-tailored intervention was effective for increasing school related physical activity levels with on average 25 min per week (F = 3.4, P ≤ .05), but not for increasing total physical activity or leisure time physical activity.

Conclusions

A 1-h computer-tailored intervention offered during class-time has the potential to increase school related physical activity.

Practice implications

Although favourable effects of large scale implementation may be expected, some adaptations that might increase effectiveness should be investigated in the future.