ActiveSmart physical activity behaviour change program

Abstract

Introduction: ActiveSmart is the Department of Sport and Recreation’s (DSR) personalised behaviour change program that is tailored to engage individuals and households in adopting ormaintaining physical activity. The primary objective of ActiveSmart is to increase participation in all forms of physical activity to build social capital, community connectedness and improve health. The approach is facilitative and responsive to the needs of participants and results in an uptake of active recreation, sport and an increase in the use of local infrastructure. ActiveSmart has been delivered in the Cities of Rockingham 2009, Geraldton 2011 (Phase 1) and a top up service to Geraldton participants in 2013 (Phase 2). Methods: ActiveSmart Geraldton Phase 1: Formative Research was conducted to understand physical activity levels and behaviour; Welcome Letters were sent inviting 10,000 households to participate; Recruitment of 4089 households into the program via telephone and community events; Local Resources and Small Steps to help people get started were identified through recruitment conversations; Resource Packs were hand delivered to participants homes; Coaching and Goal Setting was provided to 2371 participants who opted into the intense service, which included a phone call every 3–4 weeks to offer support and facilitate goal setting over a six month period; Evaluation involved pre and post surveys to measure the impact of the program. ActiveSmart Geraldton Phase 2 re-engaged 922 households from Phase 1 participants to build upon the previous program and determine the longitudinal impact 18months later, this involved awelcome letter and 2 follow up phone calls. Results: ActiveSmart Geraldton Phase 1 participants reported a 15min increase in physical activity per person, per day; 19% of participants moved from insufficient to sufficient levels of physical activity; and 21% of participants moved from doing no vigorous physical activity to doing at least one session perweek. Participants reported feeling better, more connected and achieving goals. ActiveSmart Geraldton Phase 2 resulted in an additional 5min increase in physical activity per person, per day (above the 15min increase gained in Phase 1); and an additional 4.5% of participants moved from insufficient to sufficient levels of physical activity. A Benefit Cost Analysis found $1 invested in ActiveSmart saves $25 in the health budget over 10 years. Discussion: This project effectively moves people beyond just awareness of the need to be active – it gives them the support needed to actually get started and sustain new behaviours.