Effectiveness of an individualized internet-based physical activity program: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Physical activity-enhancing websites have created a new accessible and cost-effective method to increase the level of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an individualized internet-based physical activity program on improving physical activity level. Methods: This study conducted May-Dec 2018 was a single blind parallel group randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited by distributing advertisements on popular Persian websites. Participants meeting eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to individualized (N = 91) or non-individualized internet-based physical activity (N = 93) intervention groups. The designed website for the study included an interactive computer-tailored exercise program that generated progressing physical activity recommendations for individualized intervention group based on the progression process for 10 weeks and a fixed exercise program for non-individualized group. Results: Drop outs in the individualized group were 15 and in the non-individualized group were 14. Following the ten-week exercise program, the individualized group's physical activity level according to GPAQ questionnaire assessments was significantly improved in the travel section (p-value < 0.001), recreational activities (p-value: 0.036), and total physical activity (p-value < 0.001) compared to the beginning of the study. The physical activity level in the travel section (p-value < 0.001) and total physical activity (p-value: 0.009), were significantly improved in the individualized group (N = 76) compared to the non-individualized group (N = 79). No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Based on the current study, an individualized internet-based physical activity intervention might be effective in improving the level of physical activity. Conducting future studies during the COVID-19 pandemic is mandated to assess the impact.