OBJECTIVE: This study used a multi-method approach to examine the effectiveness of a pedometer-based intervention delivered by health professionals for increasing walking. METHODS: Pedometer packs were distributed to 374 patients who undertook a 12-week walking programme. Changes in walking were assessed at three months (using self-reported step-counts [n=139] and questionnaire data [n=104]) and at six months (using patient questionnaire data [n=112]). Qualitative data were collected at both time points to identify underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: After 12 weeks patients had increased their step-counts by 4532 steps/day (p<.001) and at six months were achieving 2977 more steps/day (equivalent to around 30 min/day) than at baseline. Over half the patients reported achieving this target on at least 5 days/week. Qualitative data indicated that the pedometer pack was perceived to be most effective when patients were ready to change and when ongoing support was made available. CONCLUSION: These findings support the use of pedometer-based interventions in primary care and suggest that the pedometer pack could lead to sustainable changes in walking. Further investigation, using a randomised controlled trial design, is warranted. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Provision of social support and accurate identification of patient readiness to change are important considerations in future implementation of the intervention.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: This study used a multi-method approach to examine the effectiveness of a pedometer-based intervention delivered by health professionals for increasing walking. METHODS: Pedometer packs were distributed to 374 patients who undertook a 12-week walking programme. Changes in walking were assessed at three months (using self-reported step-counts [n=139] and questionnaire data [n=104]) and at six months (using patient questionnaire data [n=112]). Qualitative data were collected at both time points to identify underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: After 12 weeks patients had increased their step-counts by 4532 steps/day (p<.001) and at six months were achieving 2977 more steps/day (equivalent to around 30 min/day) than at baseline. Over half the patients reported achieving this target on at least 5 days/week. Qualitative data indicated that the pedometer pack was perceived to be most effective when patients were ready to change and when ongoing support was made available. CONCLUSION: These findings support the use of pedometer-based interventions in primary care and suggest that the pedometer pack could lead to sustainable changes in walking. Further investigation, using a randomised controlled trial design, is warranted. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Provision of social support and accurate identification of patient readiness to change are important considerations in future implementation of the intervention.
Authors: Freya Macmillan; Claire Fitzsimons; Karen Black; Malcolm H Granat; Margaret P Grant; Madeleine Grealy; Hazel Macdonald; Alex McConnachie; David A Rowe; Rebecca Shaw; Dawn A Skelton; Nanette Mutrie Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-02-19 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Suliman Mansi; Stephan Milosavljevic; Steve Tumilty; Paul Hendrick; G David Baxter Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2013-11-01 Impact factor: 3.186
Authors: Heleen Westland; Jill Sluiter; Sophie Te Dorsthorst; Carin D Schröder; Jaap C A Trappenburg; Sigrid C J M Vervoort; Marieke J Schuurmans Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-02-12 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Tess Harris; Sally M Kerry; Christina R Victor; Sunil M Shah; Steve Iliffe; Michael Ussher; Ulf Ekelund; Julia Fox-Rushby; Peter Whincup; Lee David; Debbie Brewin; Judith Ibison; Stephen DeWilde; Elizabeth Limb; Nana Anokye; Cheryl Furness; Emma Howard; Rebecca Dale; Derek G Cook Journal: Trials Date: 2013-12-05 Impact factor: 2.279