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Evaluating Active U: An Internet-Mediated Physical Activity Program, Lorraine R. Buis, Timothy A. Poulton, Robert G. Holleman, Ananda Sen, Paul J. Resnick, David E. Goodrich, Lavaughn Palma-Davis, Caroline R. Richardson

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Engaging in regular physical activity can be challenging, particularly during the winter months. To promote physical activity at the University of Michigan during the winter months, an eight-week Internet-mediated program (Active U) was developed providing participants with an online physical activity log, goal setting, motivational emails, and optional team participation and competition.

Methods

This study is a program evaluation of Active U. Approximately 47,000 faculty, staff, and graduate students were invited to participate in the online Active U intervention in the winter of 2007. Participants were assigned a physical activity goal and were asked to record each physical …