Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe in detail the recruitment methods and enrollment rates, the screening methods, and the baseline characteristics of a sample of adults participating in the Walk 2.0 Study, an 18 month, 3-arm randomized controlled trial of a Web 2.0 based physical activity intervention.MethodsA two-fold recruitment plan was developed and implemented, including a direct mail-out to an extract from the Australian Electoral Commission electoral roll, and other supplementary methods including email and telephone. Physical activity screening involved two steps: a validated single-item self-report instrument and the follow-up Active Australia Questionnaire. Readiness for physical activity participation was also based on a two-step process of administering the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and, where needed, further clearance from a medical practitioner.ResultsAcross all recruitment methods, a total of 1244 participants expressed interest in participating, of which 656 were deemed eligible. Of these, 504 were later enrolled in the Walk 2.0 trial (77% enrollment rate) and randomized to the Walk 1.0 group (n = 165), the Walk 2.0 group (n = 168), or the Logbook group (n = 171). Mean age of the total sample was 50.8 years, with 65.2% female and 79.1% born in Australia.ConclusionThe results of this recruitment process demonstrate the successful use of multiple strategies to obtain a diverse sample of adults eligible to take part in a web-based physical activity promotion intervention. The use of dual screening processes ensured safe participation in the intervention. This approach to recruitment and physical activity screening can be used as a model for further trials in this area.
Highlights
On a global scale, the majority of adults from Western nations are not meeting minimum physical activity recommendations [1].Epidemiological evidence has clearly linked physical inactivity to a number of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, obesity, poor mental health, osteoporosis/osteoarthritis, and premature mortality [2e5]
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) mail-out was sent to a total of 14,000 individuals across both sites, of which 714 individuals responded with interest and began the screening process
A variety of other mediabased methods were used, specific data regarding how many were contacted and by which specific media they learned about WALK 2.0 are not available
Summary
The majority of adults from Western nations are not meeting minimum physical activity recommendations [1].Epidemiological evidence has clearly linked physical inactivity to a number of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, obesity, poor mental health, osteoporosis/osteoarthritis, and premature mortality [2e5]. (voice and text messaging) [10e15], and email-based interventions [16,17] Many of these types of interventions have shown promising results for physical activity behavior change, they have a number of shortcomings. The duration of many of these interventions are of short term or have limited participant contact, resulting in minimal effectiveness and population health impact [18,19]. For those that do report a significant physical activity effect, it is rarely maintained over a long period (one year or more postintervention) of time [20]. There is a need for innovative approaches that have the potential for long-term effectiveness and maintenance, as well as greater population reach and accessibility
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