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Excerpt
Regular physical activity can improve physical activity status as well as help manage weight for many Americans. Effective internet-based interventions reach a diversity of audiences and are used to disseminate a variety of educational materials.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the web-based Interactive Physical Activity Tool (IPAT). This self-teaching tool, a component of the Interactive Healthy Eating Index (IHEI), includes physical activity information, a database, scoring scheme, and educational messages. Its scoring scheme is based on the METs compendium and current physical activity guidance. METHODS: A qualitative research evaluation of the IPAT was conducted as a pilot study with students (n = 54) in nursing, dietetic, and kinesiology programs from two universities. Students were required to complete 3–24 hr activity logs, enter their information into the computer for analyses, retrieve scoring results and look at targeted educational messages. Concurrently, each student was administered an 11-part questionnaire. This queried students to evaluate the program functionality and the usability of the IPAT. RESULTS: Students rated the IPAT as a very useful program overall. Most of the students (96%) found the physical activity information useful, thorough or easy to read with relevant information; 91% rated the physical activity web links helpful and easy to access; and 94% stated that the scoring output was very informative and understandable. Over 60% found program instructions unclear or hard to use, especially for saving data and for selecting some physical activities. Improved online instructions and the inclusion of an activity selection guide with enhanced METs descriptors were implemented accordingly. CONCLUSION: This evaluation shows the IPAT to be a useful educational tool with targeted information on physical activity. The IPAT provides a practical approach as a physical activity intervention for the consumer and health professional. {www.cnpp.usda.gov/ihei.
