Promoting Physical Activity Participation among Inactive University PhD Students using Educational and Implementation Intentions Interventions

Background: Physical inactivity is prevalent among university PhD students, impacting their health and well-being. This study explores the effectiveness of combining educational and intention-based interventions to promote physical activity among inactive PhD students. Objectives: To assess whether improving knowledge about physical activity and/or intentions to engage in physical activity increases physical activity levels among inactive PhD students. Methods: A 4-week pre-post study design was employed, involving 67 PhD students (age 36.45± 8.58, 31 male/36 female) from a university in the East Midlands in the United Kingdom. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: education and intentions, education only, intentions only, and control. Interventions included educational materials and implementation intentions templates. Outcome measures were taken at baseline and post-intervention, assessing physical activity levels, knowledge, and intentions. Results: Participants in the education and intentions group showed the highest increase in total physical activity levels and time spent in physical activity weekly (1067.6 ± 140.94 MET-minutes/week and 194.9± 6.76 minutes/week), followed by the intentions only (1039.0 ± 156.44 MET-minutes/week and 179.9 ± 7.50 minutes/week), education only (874.4 ± 136.73 MET-minutes/week and 174.8 ± 6.56 minutes/week), and control (483.8 ± 145.03 MET-minutes/week and131.0 ± 6.95 minutes/week) groups. No significant gender differences were found in total physical activity levels, but males spent more time in physical activity weekly. Higher knowledge about physical activity benefits and risks (Level 4 knowledge) was associated with increased physical activity engagement. Conclusion: Combining educational and intentions-based interventions effectively increases physical activity levels among inactive PhD students. Future interventions should integrate knowledge about the risks of physical inactivity and consider gender differences in physical activity engagement.