Physical Activity Variety's Impact on Physical Activity Participation

Physical Activity Variety's Impact on Physical Activity Participation

The primary purpose of the proposed study is to examine the effect of a home-based physical activity variety intervention on objectively measured physical activity in an eight-week randomized intervention trial.

The primary purpose of the proposed study is to examine the effect of a home-based physical activity variety intervention on objectively measured physical activity in an eight-week randomized intervention trial. Early research on physical activity variety has observed increased physical activity participation, motivation, and enjoyment as a result of physical activity variety. However, previous studies examining variety have not included home-based interventions, objective measures of physical activity, or cardiovascular fitness classes.

Forty low-active college students will be randomly assigned to either an eight-week physical activity variety intervention (n=20) or a physical activity consistency comparison condition (n=20). Physical activity will be assessed via an accelerometer (e.g., Actigraph) at baseline and eight weeks, and psychosocial variables at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks (i.e., post-intervention). Affect will be assessed at one, four, and eight weeks. Participants will receive counseling sessions and access to a website containing workouts appropriate to their condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Engaged in no or low levels of physical activity (less than 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per week)
• Capable of completing a 30-minute session of physical activity
• 18-25 years of age old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant individuals
• Cannot read in English
• No access to the internet
• Healthcare providers have instructed them not to be active
• Any medical condition that would make physical activity unsafe or unwise