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 .
An evaluation of Choose to Move 1999: an American Heart Association physical activity program for women.
BACKGROUND Rates of physical inactivity and poor nutrition , which are 2 of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women , are substantial . Even so , studies of interventions design ed to improve lifestyle behaviors in women have been limited and often confined to particular geographical areas . OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of Choose to Move on increasing women 's physical activity , improving their knowledge of heart disease and stroke , and improving their nutrition . PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A prospect i ve , nonr and omized , 12-week educational intervention design ed by the American Heart Association for women across the United States . Participants received a welcome kit and manual with weekly information about how to manage cardiovascular disease risk factors and how to build a support system for lifestyle change . Women ( N = 23 171 ) aged 25 years or older were recruited by direct mail , the media , health care providers , and other means . Follow-up evaluations were returned from 6389 women at 2 weeks , 5338 at 4 weeks , 4209 at 8 weeks , 3916 at 10 weeks , and 3775 at 12 weeks . Participants self-reported their physical activity , diet , and knowledge about heart disease , stroke , and related symptoms . RESULTS Ninety percent of the participants were white and 56 % were aged between 35 and 54 years . Among the participants who completed the week 12 follow-up evaluation , the percentage who reported being active ( at least moderate exercise > or = 5 times per week or > 2(1/2 ) hours per week for the past 1 to 6 months ) increased from 32 % at baseline to 67 % at the program 's end ( P = .001 ) . Participants currently limiting excess calories or fat increased from 72 % to 91 % at week 10 follow-up evaluation ( P = .001 ) . The proportion correctly identifying heart disease as the leading cause of death increased from 84 % to 91 % at week 10 follow-up evaluation ( P<.001 ) . CONCLUSIONS Women who completed the Choose to Move program evaluation reported that they significantly increased their levels of physical activity , reduced their consumption of high-fat foods , and increased their knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular disease risk and its symptoms . This program provides an important model for public health , voluntary , and other health organizations of population -based , targeted low-cost self-help programs that support the Healthy People 2010 objectives for physical activity , nutrition , and cardiovascular health
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 .