Examining moderators of the effectiveness of a web- and video-based computer-tailored physical activity intervention

Understanding for whom behaviour change interventions work is important, however there is a lack of studies examining potential moderators in such interventions. This study investigated potential moderators on the effectiveness of a computer-tailored intervention to increase physical activity among Australian adults. People who had <150 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) a week, able to speak and read English, aged ≥18 years, lived in Australia, and had internet access were eligible to participate. Participants recruited through social media, emails, and third-party databases, were randomly assigned to either the control (n = 167) or intervention groups (n = 334). Physical activity was measured objectively by ActiGraph GT3X and also by self-report at baseline and three months. Three-way interaction terms were tested to identify moderators (i.e., demographic characteristics, BMI, and perceived neighbourhood walkability). The results showed that the three-way interaction was marginally significant for sex on accelerometer measured MVPA/week (p = 0.061) and steps/day (p = 0.047). The intervention appeared to be more effective for women compared to men. No significant three-way interactions were found for the other potential moderators. Strategies to improve levels of personalisation may be needed so that physical activity interventions can be better tailored to different subgroups, especially sex, and therefore improve intervention effectiveness.