240777 Interdepartmental collaboration improves the delivery and outcome of a pedometer program within a community setting

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Jeanne D. Johnston, PhD , Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Saurabh Thosar, MS , Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Matthew Hinman , Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Megan Amadeo , Recreational Sports, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Chris Arvin , Recreational Sports, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Anne Massey, PhD , Department of Operations and Decisions Technologies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Christine Geary , Recreational Sports, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Background: Previous research has demonstrated the benefits of participation in a pedometer program. However, programs must be evaluated and tailored to the community to obtain maximum benefits. ‘Step into Fitness' (SIF), is a community based pedometer program offered by Recreational Sports (RS) to faculty and staff at a large mid-western university.

Methods: In 2009, SIF was offered as a 4 week program. Participants received a pedometer (StepLINQ Step Counter) and recorded their daily steps and fruit and vegetable intake and received 2 emails•week-1 with tips on physical activity (PA), nutrition, goal setting, and stress reduction. The program also included weekly health related trivia questions and competitions. In 2010 the program was lengthened to 9 weeks with a kick off recruitment event that included blood pressure screening, nutrition and tobacco cessation information. A repeated measures MANOVA was conducted to detect pre and posttest differences with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: In 2009 (n = 26) no significant changes in body composition variables (BCV) (body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio) were detected at the end of 4 weeks. In 2010 (n= 42) significant difference in the BCV and steps from baseline to week 9 (6778±2616 to 8833±2820) was detected.

Conclusion: The evaluation of the 2009 outcomes led RS to offer a longer program and to start the program with a health based kick-off event. The increased length and ability to assess personal health may have led to improved outcomes.

Learning Areas:
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the importance of program evaluation in pedometer programs so as to improve outcomes. 2. Identify novel methods to deliver pedometer programs to increase participation and adherence. 3. Describe the partnership between the campus Recreational Sports program and Department of Kinesiology in an effort to promote collaboration across departments.

Keywords: Community Health Programs, Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I design, and have experience in programs using pedometers as intervention tools to impact physical activity and health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Promotion of Physical Activity in the Community
See more of: Physical Activity