A Web-Based Physical Activity Promotion Program: Development Process

Background: Web-based physical activity promotion programs have been recently developed, but these programs rarely incorporated ethnic-specific attitudes toward and ethnic-specific predictors of physical activity of ethnic minority midlife women.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a Web-based physical activity promotion program for Korean American midlife women based on findings from a larger study on midlife women's attitudes toward physical activity.

Methods: This was an intervention development study. The information mapping approach by Bartholomew et al. was used to develop the program. Then, through two teleconferences, seven experts were asked to evaluate the program. For the expert evaluation, the Cognitive Walkthrough method was used. The teleconferences were audio-recorded and transcribed, and analyzed using the content analysis by Weber. Then, as a group, the research team made decisions on the development of specific areas, and incorporated them into further development of the program.

Findings: First, three modifiable determinants were identified and incorporated into the program design. Menus were developed based on the three arms of interventions: attitudes toward physical activity, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers. The Ruby on Rails framework and the Xen hypervisor were used. The program included three major components: interactive online message board; interactive online educational sessions; and online resources. Graphic User Interface controls were used, and the presentation styles were tailored to Korean American culture based on advice from the five experts.

Conclusions: This study suggests that researchers make continuous efforts to develop and test Web-based programs for health promotion of people across the lifespan.