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'Pedometers cost buttons': the feasibility of implementing a pedometer based walking programme within the community
Rebecca Shaw1, Elisabeth Fenwick, Graham Baker
1School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK. rebecca.shaw@glasgow.ac.uk
BMC Public Health
|April 2, 2011
Summary
Pedometer-based walking interventions are cost-effective for increasing physical activity in inactive populations. Further research is needed on researcher-participant relationships and long-term health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Health Economics
Background:
- Walking interventions show short-term effectiveness in increasing physical activity among inactive individuals.
- Increasing physical activity is a key objective of global public health policy.
- Feasibility of community-based walking interventions requires evaluation before widespread implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a community-based pedometer walking intervention.
- To explore participant and researcher perspectives on walking interventions.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for successful implementation in the wider community.
Main Methods:
- Economic analysis of intervention costs and effects (incremental cost-effectiveness ratios).
- Qualitative evaluation using focus groups with participants and interviews with researchers.
- Assessment of perceived benefits, barriers, facilitators, and challenges.
Main Results:
- Estimated cost-effectiveness: £92 (minimal intervention) and £591 (maximal intervention) per person achieving target.
- Qualitative data revealed key barriers and facilitators for community transfer.
- Researcher-participant relationship and performance monitoring were identified as important factors.
Conclusions:
- Pedometer-based walking interventions appear cost-effective and suitable for community implementation.
- Further research is required on the researcher-participant relationship's impact.
- Longer-term effects on health, resource use, and quality of life need investigation.
