Impact of the “Planning to be Active” Leisure Time Physical Exercise Program on Rural High School Students

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a Social Cognitive Theory-based intervention designed to increase the frequency of leisure time planned moderate and vigorous physical exercise among rural high school students attending physical education class.MethodsStudents in treatment and comparison groups were exposed to an activity-based physical education curricula. The treatment group received eight behavioral skill-building lessons integrated into the existing curriculum.ResultsThe Social Cognitive Theory-based educational treatment increased levels of moderate physical exercise occurring outside the classroom.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated an impact on adolescent leisure time moderate physical exercise using classroom instruction. The intervention was most effective with students who were previously sedentary. The curricular approaches used to promote regular moderate exercise may be useful for sedentary adolescents.