Efficacy of using Internet-based interventions for physical activity promotion in a Hong Kong Secondary School: An action research approach

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an Internet-based behavioral intervention for physical activity (PA) promotion among secondary school students. It was hypothesized that the Internet-based PA promotion program could increase the PA levels of secondary school students. The action research approach together with qualitative focus group interview was used. A total of 127 Form 4 (Grade 10) students from a Hong Kong Secondary School were recruited in the study. They were group-randomized by class and placed into two groups—the Internet-based group (IB) and the control group (C). Participants of the IB group received the online behavior change program entitled “let’s exercise and be active daily” (LEAD) for PA promotion among secondary school students. The international physical activity questionnaire short last 7-day instrument was used to assess the PA levels of the participants. The stage of exercise change questionnaire was used to assess the stages of behavioral changes...