Acceptability, Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention in Adolescents

Haerens, L., Deforche, B., Vandelanotte, C., Maes, L. and De Bourdeaudhuij, I. (2007-06) Acceptability, Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention in Adolescents. Patient Education And Counseling, 66 3: 303-310.

Document type:	Journal Article
Collections:	Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) - Collection 2008 Higher Education Research Data Collection School of Population Health Publications

Author(s)	Haerens, L. Deforche, B. Vandelanotte, C. Maes, L. De Bourdeaudhuij, I.
Title	Acceptability, Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention in Adolescents
Journal name	Patient Education And Counseling
Publication date	2007-06
Sub-type	Article
Volume number	66
Issue number	3
ISSN	0738-3991
Start page	303
End page	310
Total pages	8
Editor(s)	Wissow, L. S. Finset, A.
Place of publication	Clare, Ireland
Publisher	Elsevier Ireland Ltd
Collection year	2008
Language	eng
Subject	C1 321216 Health Promotion 730301 Health education and promotion
Abstract	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 I 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. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keyword(s)	Public, Environmental & Occupational Health Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary tailoring computer physical activity intervention adolescent Nutrition Intervention Fat Intake Behaviors Children Health Impact Education Efficacy People Girls