Project GRAD (Graduate Ready for Activity Daily) is a randomized controlled study of a course for university seniors designed to promote adoption and maintenance of physical activity in preparation for the transition after graduation. A total of 185 women and 153 men were recruited, randomized to intervention or control conditions, and completed baseline and 3-month post-test measures. The intervention consisted of a 2-unit course with lecture and lab components. Lectures covered exercise science and behavior change principles. Weekly labs were led by trained peers and featured supervised physical activity and application of behavior change techniques. The 2-unit control course consisted of lectures on a variety of health topics. Physical activity was assessed at pre- and post-test with telephone administered 7-day physical activity recall interviews that were modified to include reports of exercises for strength and flexibility. Data were analyzed separately for women and men using a 2×2×2 repeated measures ANCOVA (condition× active/inactive at baseline × time), with season as a covariate. There was a significant intervention effect (increase) on total leisure physical activity for women (p<.02), but no effect for men. Although results were in favorable directions, there were no significant intervention effects on leisure-time moderate or vigorous physical activity for either sex. On reported minutes of both strengthening (p<.001) and flexibility(p<.01) exercises, there were significant intervention effects (increases) for women only. The health-related physical activity course was effective for women but not for men. The course increased physical activity similarly for women who were initially regularly active and those who were relatively inactive. Intervention is continuing to promote maintenance of physical activity after graduation.
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