Project GRAD: two-year outcomes of a randomized controlled physical activity intervention among young adults

Introduction: Project Graduate Ready for Activity Daily evaluated a program to promote physical activity through the transition of university graduation in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Three hundred thirty-eight university seniors participated in either a cognitive-behavioral intervention course or a knowledge-oriented general health course during the semester before graduation. Behaviorally oriented phone and mail follow-up was delivered to the intervention group for 18 months. Physical activity outcomes and mediating variables were assessed at baseline, 1 and 2 years (93% retention rate). Results: There were no significant intervention effects on physical activity outcomes at 2 years for either men or women. Experiential and behavioral processes of change were significantly improved for intervention women over 2 years. Conclusions: Despite excellent participation in a theoretically based, well-attended intervention, few long-term effects on physical activity or its mediators were found. Additional research is needed to determine optimal interventions for physical activity and to validate or alter current behavior change theory.