Behavioral and Social Approaches to Increase Physical Activity: College-Based Physical Education and Health Education

College-based physical education (PE) and health education interventions aim to set long-term behavioral patterns during the transition to adulthood. To this end, they use didactic and behavioral education efforts to increase physical activity levels among college students. The physical education classes do not have to be offered by PE or wellness departments in college and university settings, but they do include supervised physical activity in the class.

Summary of Task Force Recommendations & Findings

The Community Preventive Services Task Force finds insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of college-based physical education (PE) and health education interventions in increasing physical activity and fitness because of too few studies with noncomparable interventions.

Task Force Finding

Results from the Systematic Reviews

Two studies qualified for this review.

• The studies generally showed consistent increases in physical activity and aerobic capacity in the short term.
• The 2-year follow-up showed declines in activity back to previous levels and did not find the desired effects on the proposed mediators of behavioral change.

These results were based on a systematic review of all available studies, conducted on behalf of the Task Force by a team of specialists in systematic review methods, and in research, practice and policy related to physical activity.

Economic Review

An economic review of this intervention was not conducted because the Task Force found insufficient evidence to determine its effectiveness.

Supporting Materials

• Research gaps
• Included studies

Publications

Kahn EB, Ramsey LT, Brownson R, et al. The effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity: a systematic review. [PDF - 3.14MB] Am J Prev Med 2002;22(4S):73-107.

Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Recommendations to increase physical activity in communities. [PDF - 70KB] Am J Prev Med 2002;22 (4S):67-72.

CDC. Increasing physical activity. A report on recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. MMWR 2001;50 (RR-18):1-16.

Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Physical activity. [PDF - 302KB] In : Zaza S, Briss PA, Harris KW, eds. The Guide to Community Preventive Services: What Works to Promote Health? Atlanta (GA): Oxford University Press;2005:80-113.

More Community Guide publications about Promoting Physical Activity

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Sample Citation

The content of publications of the Guide to Community Preventive Services is in the public domain. Citation as to source, however, is appreciated. Sample citation: Guide to Community Preventive Services. Behavioral and social approaches to increase physical activity: college-based physical education and health education. www.thecommunityguide.org/pa/behavioral-social/collegebased-pe.html. Last updated: MM/DD/YYYY.

Review completed: October 2000