The heterogeneity in reported effects was reduced in higher quality studies , when physical activity was self-directed with some professional guidance and when there was on-going professional support .
Our review suggests that physical activity interventions have a moderate effect on self reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness , but not on achieving a predetermined level of physical activity .
Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the studies , only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of individual components of the interventions .
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effectiveness of strategies to enable people to achieve an increase in their physical activity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for promoting physical activity in adults aged 16 years and older , not living in an institution .
Use of the stages of change model in improving nutrition and exercise habits in enlisted Air Force men.
Thirty-nine U.S. Air Force enlisted men participated in a r and omized controlled study that evaluated an experimental program design ed to enhance fitness . Subjects were assigned to either a treatment ( access to the program ) or control ( no access to program ) group for 6 months . To improve treatment group fitness ( as measured by VO2 , subjects received individually tailored information ( based on a behavior change model ) via the Internet to encourage adoption of positive diet and exercise behaviors . Results showed no significant effect in improving fitness in treatment . However , significant effects were observed for secondary outcomes such as weight ( controls , + 1.0 kg vs. treatment , -2.2 kg , p < 0.05 ) , body mass index ( + 0.3 kg/m2 vs. -0.7 kg/m2 , p < 0.05 ) , and percent body fat ( + 0.6 % vs. -1.5 % , p < 0.001 ) . The data suggest that the individually tailored exercise information was not effective in encouraging sufficient exercise intensity to impact fitness . However , the dietary tailored information appears to have encouraged the adoption of more positive nutritional practice s as demonstrated by the beneficial effects reflected in secondary outcomes
The heterogeneity in reported effects was reduced in higher quality studies , when physical activity was self-directed with some professional guidance and when there was on-going professional support .
Our review suggests that physical activity interventions have a moderate effect on self reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness , but not on achieving a predetermined level of physical activity .
Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the studies , only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of individual components of the interventions .
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effectiveness of strategies to enable people to achieve an increase in their physical activity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for promoting physical activity in adults aged 16 years and older , not living in an institution .