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 .
Project GRAD: two-year outcomes of a randomized controlled physical activity intervention among young adults. Graduate Ready for Activity Daily.
INTRODUCTION Project Graduate Ready for Activity Daily evaluated a program to promote physical activity through the transition of university graduation in a r and omized controlled trial . METHODS Three hundred thirty-eight university seniors participated in either a cognitive-behavioral intervention course or a knowledge-oriented general health course during the semester before graduation .  Behaviorally oriented phone and mail follow-up was delivered to the intervention group for 18 months . Physical activity outcomes and mediating variables were assessed at baseline , 1 and 2 years ( 93 % retention rate ) . RESULTS There were no significant intervention effects on physical activity 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 mediators were found . Additional research is needed to determine optimal interventions for physical activity and to vali date or alter current behavior change theory
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 .