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A randomized trial of physical activity interventions: design and baseline data from project active
H W Kohl1, A L Dunn, B H Marcus
1Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, Dallas, TX 75230, USA. hkohl@bcm.tmc.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|March 21, 1998
Summary
Project Active compared a personalized lifestyle physical activity intervention with structured exercise. Both approaches improved fitness, but the lifestyle intervention may offer a more integrated, long-term solution for sedentary adults.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Public Health
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Sedentary lifestyles contribute to poor health outcomes.
- Traditional exercise prescriptions may not be universally effective.
- Personalized interventions can enhance adherence and effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a Lifestyle physical activity intervention versus a Structured exercise prescription.
- To evaluate changes in energy expenditure and cardiorespiratory fitness.
- To assess long-term adherence and maintenance of physical activity.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year randomized trial involving 235 sedentary adults.
- Intervention groups: Lifestyle (personalized, integrated activity) and Structured (frequency, intensity, duration formula).
- Outcome measures: energy expenditure (kcal/kg) and cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake) at 6 and 24 months.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant improvements in physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness at 6 months.
- The study aims to determine differences between the Lifestyle and Structured groups at 24 months.
- A tapered follow-up maintenance intervention was implemented for 18 months post-initial 6-month intervention.
Conclusions:
- Both lifestyle and structured exercise interventions can improve physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness.
- The personalized Lifestyle approach may offer advantages for integrating physical activity into daily routines.
- Further analysis is needed to confirm long-term differences between the two intervention strategies.