Efficacy of sequential or simultaneous interactive computer-tailored interventions for increasing physical activity and decreasing fat intake

Background: Little evidence exists about the effectiveness of "interactive" computer-tailored interventions and about the combined effectiveness of tailored interventions on physical activity and diet. Furthermore, it is unknown whether they should be executed sequentially or simultaneously. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine (a) the effectiveness of interactive computer-tailored interventions for increasing physical activity and decreasing fat intake and (b) which intervening mode, sequential or simultaneous, is most effective in behavior change. Methods: Participants (N = 771) were randomly assigned to receive (a) the physical activity and fat intake interventions simultaneously at baseline, (b) the physical activity intervention at baseline and the fat intake intervention 3 months later (c) the fat intake intervention at baseline and the physical activity intervention 3 months later, or (d) a place in the control group. Results: Six months postbaseline, the results showed that the tailored interventions Produced significantly higher physical activity scores, F(2, 573) = 11.4,