EFFECTS OF A WEEKLY BEHAVIORAL SKILLS FITNESS PROGRAM ON EXERCISE ADOPTION IN INACTIVE ADULTS 594

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a twelve week behavioral skills training course, which included a structured exercise program, on physical activity habits of low active adults. Sixty four subjects(46 women and 13 men) mean age 42 years (sd=9.7) recruited from a Southern California corporation, were randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups. Control subjects were given a free membership to a fitness facility, while the intervention subjects received 12 weeks (once weekly) of informal behavior skills training classes at the work site plus structured exercise training at a fitness facility. Attendance at the intervention course was 85% while the program attrition rate was 8%. The Seven-day Physical Activity Recall telephone interview assessed total weekly energy expenditure plus moderate and vigorous physical activity as well as strength and·flexibility at 0 and 12 weeks. Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant trend for group by time effects on average daily energy expenditure (p=.06). Intervention group moderate activity more than doubled from baseline. Strength and flexibility showed no significant change, nor did vigorous activity levels change. Data indicate that after three months of structured exercise and behavioral skills training, inactive adults increased moderate physical activity in leisure and work time. It is expected that regular vigorous activity takes more than three months to adopt as a habit. When a goal oriented exercise program incorporates behavioral skills, the health facility can work with inactive adults to realize physical activity options in leading a healthier lifestyle.