Engineering social networks to support walking: Feasibility evaluation

Background: Social networks can influence physical activity; however, little research has explored the potential of using popular online resources to engineer new social networks to increase activity. The current study explored the effectiveness of an online social networking site for building a social community to support walking. Methods: As part of an ongoing randomized controlled trial with sedentary adults residing within 5 miles of each other, 23 adults were assigned to a 12-week social networking condition with access to an online social networking site (Ning) and weekly emailed prompts to engage in social networking activities. Participation rates were tracked for online and neighborhood social networking activities. A survey assessed suggestions for program improvement. Results: Of 23 participants given access to the Ning social networking site (mean age = 51, 53% female, 21% ethnic minority, mean objectively-measured BMI = 29.3), 70% posted an online profile, 65% contributed to online discussions, 35% attended staff-posted “meet the group” walks, 22% posted walks online for other participants to join, and fewer than 1% joined participant-posted walks. Four new additional members who were friends of original participants also joined Ning. Participants indicated that scheduling constraints and an insufficient number of event postings prevented greater participation. Many participants suggested using Facebook instead of Ning, as 68% were current Facebook members. Conclusions: Engineering social networks for walking is challenging. Use of Facebook, incentives for social networking, and a larger sample might generate more networking activity.