Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week web-based physical activity intervention adapted for young adult college students who were insufficiently physically active.
Theoretical/conceptual frameworks. The evaluation of feasibility was guided by Bowen et al. (2009). The intervention content was grounded in the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) framework developed by Rhodes (2017).
Methods. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the 8-week web-based intervention. A voluntary convenience sample of 21 college students, ages 18 – 24, participated in the study during the Spring of 2021. The intervention was adapted for college students from a program originally developed for adults by Liu et al. (2019). The newly adapted 8-week web-based physical activity intervention included weekly lessons based on the M-PAC framework, manual entry goal and step trackers, additional resources, and a private social media group led by a wellness coach. Data were collected via pre-post web-based questionnaires, web-analytics, and post-intervention interviews. Feasibility outcomes included demand (e.g., recruitment and retention), acceptability, practicality, and implementation. Preliminary efficacy outcomes included physical activity and M-PAC processes.
Analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze perceived demand (retention and recruitment) and pre-post preliminary efficacy trends (physical activity and M-PAC processes). Preliminary efficacy was further analyzed using t-tests, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and Hedge’s g. Qualitative data on acceptability, practicality, and implementation were thematically analyzed.
Summary of findings. Recruitment and retention rates were 70% and 71%, respectively. Participants reacted positively to the program, content, and features, except for the step-tracker and private social media group. Substantial pre-post trends and statistically significant changes were found in physical activity, behavioral regulation, habit, and identity. The findings supported the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the intervention for insufficiently active young adult college students.
Sigma Membership
Iota Zeta
Lead Author Affiliation
University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Type
Report
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quasi-Experimental Study, Other
Research Approach
Pilot/Exploratory Study
Keywords:
Physical Activity, College Students, E-Health, Multi-Process Action Control
Recommended Citation
Hartson, Kimberly R.; Della, Lindsay; and King, Kristi M., "A feasibility study of a web-based physical activity program for university students: Final report for Sigma Foundation for Nursing" (2022). Sigma Foundation for Nursing Research Grant Reports. 103.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/grant_reports/103
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Review Type
None: Sigma Grant Recipient Report
Acquisition
Self-submission
Date of Issue
2022-02-14
Full Text of Presentation
wf_yes
Description
Dr. Hartson was a recipient of a Sigma Small Grant, 2019-2020 cohort.