Quit and Fit: Exploring the Effects of Physical Activity on Teen Smoking Cessation

The long term goal of the study entitled "Quit & Fit" was to revise, evaluate, and disseminate the American Lung Association´s (ALA) teen smoking cessation program called Not On Tobacco (N-O-T), with an added physical activity module. The physical activity module was intended to encourage youth to adopt a more physically active lifestyle. Research showed that physical activity may increase the odds of smoking cessation. The general N-O-T program goals are to help adolescents quit smoking; reduce cigarette use (for participants who are unable to completely quit); increase healthy lifestyle behaviors; and improve life skills such as stress management, decision making, communication, and interpersonal skills. The primary aim of the current research project was to reduce smoking among West Virginia teens. A two-prong secondary aim was to (a) increase participants´ physical activity behavior by supplementing the intervention with a physical activity component and (b) assess the mediating/moderating impact of physical activity on cessation outcomes. If participants quit smoking, the likelihood that they will develop smoking-related diseases is diminished. Participating in this project may aid smoking cessation and therefore improve participants´ health. Research was conducted among 19 of the 123 West Virginia public high schools. 236 teens were recruited to participate in the study over 3 years. This study is a clinical behavioral trial using a 3-group design, with subsequent random assignment.