Web-based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among Iranian youth using the transtheoretical model

Sedentary habits may increase the noncommunicable disease risk factors, and few teens get enough physical activity. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effects of a web-based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among adolescents using the transtheoretical model (TTM).

A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 278 high school students who were randomly allocated into one of the three groups: two web-based intervention groups. The intervention groups 1 and 2 received education through web (www.salamat.family), but the second group received educational strategies based on TTM. Five questionnaires were applied two times before the intervention and 6 months after the intervention. And, in the control group, the data were collected using stage of exercise behavior change questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Student's t-test and two-way analysis of variance, and McNemar's test were applied to compare before and after the intervention. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean differences for TTM constructs related to exercise behaviors (processes of change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance) in intervention groups 1 and 2 were very higher than the control group. Participants in intervention groups 1 and 2 who had low or moderate physical activity before the intervention were placed in high physical activity after it.

According to the obtained results, education on PA based on website effective, but if we use education based on TTM, it will be more useful on the behavior.