A school-based randomized controlled trial to improve physical activity among Iranian high school girls
2008

Improving Physical Activity Among Iranian High School Girls

Sample size: 161 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Taymoori Parvaneh, Niknami Shamsaddin, Berry Tanya, Lubans David, Ghofranipour Fazloalha, Kazemnejad Anoshirvan

Primary Institution: Department of Public Health, School of Health, Kurdistan Medical University, Sanandaj, Iran

Hypothesis

The integrated model would result in improved physical activity maintenance among Iranian high school girls.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence that a physical activity intervention based on Pender's Health Promotion model combined with aspects of the Transtheoretical model can effectively increase physical activity among Iranian high school girls.

Supporting Evidence

  • Both intervention groups significantly improved physical activity behavior over the 24-week intervention.
  • Participants in the THP group showed greater use of counter conditioning and stimulus control at post-intervention and follow-up.
  • Significant differences in physical activity were found between the THP and control groups at follow-up.

Takeaway

This study shows that girls in Iran can be encouraged to be more active through special programs at school that help them understand the benefits of exercise.

Methodology

A randomized controlled trial with three groups: one receiving a health promotion intervention, another receiving an integrated health promotion and transtheoretical model intervention, and a control group.

Potential Biases

Self-reporting may lead to biased results regarding physical activity levels.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which may introduce bias, and was limited to participants in the preparation stage of behavior change.

Participant Demographics

Participants were all female high school students from three public secondary schools in Iran, aged approximately 14.79 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-5-18

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