Effects of an Educational Intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on Physical Activity Behavior of Male Teenagers: An Accelerometer-Based Study

Introduction: This initiative is motivated by the previously highlighted concerns regarding inactivity and the essential importance of physical activity (PA) in the lives of young individuals.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a training intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on PA levels in adolescent males.
Methods: This study is characterized as a semi-experimental study involving a control group. A total of 44 male high-school students, aged between 16 and 18 years, were recruited for participation in this research and then were randomly allocated into the intervention and control groups. PA was assessed utilizing a modern accelerometer. The duration of four-week intervention, three times a week, was structured for the intervention group. Data analysis was conducted using both paired and independent t-tests.
Results: The mean daily duration of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was recorded at 20.34 minutes for the intervention group and 20.72 minutes for the control group. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between the groups in relation to all patterns of PA(P<0.05).
Conclusion: Addressing the adverse effects of inactivity, the intervention enhanced the adolescents’ sense of personal control over their PA choices, which in turn motivated them to engage in more PA. The results indicate that the TPB is instrumental in influencing both the intentions to engage in actual PA behaviors.