Statewide Dissemination of an Evidenced-Based Email Walking Program Delivered Through Cooperative Extension.

Elizabeth A Richards,Stephanie Woodcox,Anna Forster

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00078

Elizabeth A Richards, Stephanie Woodcox + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00078

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Abstract

Using the RE-AIM framework, this study evaluates the statewide dissemination of an evidenced-based, email-delivered physical activity intervention implemented through Cooperative Extension. The Get WalkIN' program is comprised of 16 email messages sent over 12 weeks. Email messages target social cognitive theory constructs of self-efficacy, goal-setting, self-monitoring, and social support. Program reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance were assessed with quantitative measures in a pre-post design. Findings indicate that within the Extension system, program adoption was high and program maintenance was moderate. Program effectiveness was demonstrated with an increase of 77.1 ± 49.9 min in weekly walking post-program. This increase in walking was maintained 3 months post-program. Capturing data on the implementation process was challenging. Overall, the results indicate success in program adoption and maintenance with further efforts needed to improve follow-up data collection from participants.

Highlights

Despite the strong evidence of the physical, mental, and social health benefits of meeting national physical activity guidelines, a majority of U.S adults remain inactive [1]
Walking is suitable as a population-wide physical activity promotion approach because it is inexpensive and does not require the use of specialized equipment, aside from adequate shoes [1]
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the statewide dissemination of Get WalkIN’, an emailbased walking promotion program delivered through Extension

Summary

Introduction

Despite the strong evidence of the physical, mental, and social health benefits of meeting national physical activity guidelines, a majority of U.S adults remain inactive [1]. United States’ national physical activity guidelines recommend all adults achieve at least 150 min of moderate-intensity or 75 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week [2]. In 2018 only about 20% of U.S adults met these national recommendations [3]. Walking is suitable as a population-wide physical activity promotion approach because it is inexpensive and does not require the use of specialized equipment, aside from adequate shoes [1]. Starting a walking routine does not require specific training, has a low rate of injury, and can be completed year-round across settings [1]. Walking behavior can be tracked and measured so that goals or targets can be clearly defined and monitored

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