Feasibility of a minimal contact intervention to promote walking among insufficiently active women

Am J Health Promot. 2005 Sep-Oct;20(1):2-6. doi: 10.4278/0890-1171-20.1.2.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the impact of a 6-week minimal contact intervention on walking behavior, the 10 processes of change of the transtheoretical model (TTM), and self-efficacy among insufficiently active women.

Methods: This study used a pre-experimental design. Of the 43 women who began the study, 36 (84%) completed questionnaires at baseline and postintervention. They were given brochures and pedometers and were sent e-mails that contained messages designed to positively affect TTM constructs. Changes in time spent walking, use of the 10 processes of change, and self-efficacy were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank tests and paired t-tests.

Results: Participants significantly increased their total walking minutes (p = .001) and use of counterconditioning, dramatic relief reinforcement management, self-liberation, stimulus control, and social liberation (p < .05).

Discussion: The findings of this feasibility study provide preliminary evidence that this theoretically based, minimal contact lifestyle intervention may be an effective, low-cost approach to increase walking among insufficiently active women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Exercise*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Motor Activity*
  • Program Development
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Walking*