Abstract
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effectiveness of Web-based interventions using self-monitoring and other behavioral change techniques to promote physical activity among a wide range of people concerned about the lack of sufficient physical inactivity due to lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interventions were conducted eight times from May 7 to July 2, 2021. In addition to self-monitoring—in which participants recorded the physical activity they undertook each week—and goal setting, in which they recorded a target time for increasing their physical activity the next week, information and examples were provided regarding easy physical activities. Furthermore, feedback on the previous week’s walking time was provided. The results revealed differences between groups (intervention/control groups) and time (pre-/post-intervention) for changes in total physical activity among all participants, especially older adults. A significant effect of time (pre-/post-intervention) was observed only in the intervention group. These results indicated that behavioral change techniques provided via the Web were effective in promoting total physical activity, especially among older adults.
https://ror.org/02j6c0d67 
