Project IMPACT: brief report on a pilot programme promoting physical activity among university students

Area of Science:

• Health Promotion
• Behavioral Science
• Exercise Science

Background:

• University students often have low physical activity levels.
• Interventions are needed to promote physical activity in this demographic.
• Previous studies show mixed results for different PA interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a buddy system, record-keeping device, or both for increasing university students' physical activity (PA).
• To evaluate the impact of these interventions on self-efficacy and body mass index (BMI).

Main Methods:

• A study involving university students was conducted.
• Participants were assigned to a buddy system, record-keeping device, or a combination.
• Pre- and post-intervention measures of PA, self-efficacy, and BMI were collected.

Main Results:

• Physical activity (PA) significantly increased in the record-keeping and combination groups (p < .05).
• Participants showed significant increases in barriers efficacy (p < .05).
• No significant changes were observed in task efficacy or BMI.

Conclusions:

• Project IMPACT, utilizing record-keeping and a buddy system, is an effective intervention for increasing university students' physical activity.
• The intervention shows promise for improving confidence in overcoming exercise barriers.
• Wider implementation and evaluation of this PA intervention are recommended.