The effects and retention of cooperative learning integrating pedometer-based self-management strategies on adolescents' physical activity and cardiopulmonary fitness.

This study investigated the effectiveness of integrating cooperative learning with pedometer-based self-management (CL-PBSM) compared to pedometer-based self-management alone (PBSM) in improving physical activity (PA) and cardiopulmonary fitness (CRF) among fifth-grade students in Taiwan. Over a 10-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in PA and CRF, with the CL-PBSM group demonstrating a significantly greater increase in PA but no significant difference in CRF compared to the PBSM group. Retention analysis revealed that PA levels in the CL-PBSM group declined two months after the intervention, suggesting that longer program durations may be necessary to sustain behavior change. The findings highlight the potential of combining cooperative learning with self-management strategies to enhance adolescent PA, while recommending extended interventions to promote lasting active lifestyle habits.