Walk This Way: Our Perspective on Challenges and Opportunities for Extension Statewide Walking Promotion Programs

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2019 May;51(5):636-643. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2018.12.010. Epub 2019 Feb 2.

Abstract

Evidence-based walking programs exist and some have been tailored specifically for the national Cooperative Extension System; however, program outcomes and translational challenges and successes are underreported. This has presented a challenge to scaling the best-fit intervention for walking promotion within this national system. Here, we describe existing open-access walking programs as well as implications for improving the fit and sustainability of this intervention type within the system. Our experience provides suggestions for pragmatic data collection, infrastructure to support pragmatic data collection, and novel ways to disseminate best practices, as well as considerations for de-implementing what is not working.

Keywords: Extension; RE-AIM framework; group-based program; physical activity; scale out; translation.

MeSH terms

  • Environment Design
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • United States
  • Walking*