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Public health
Protocol
WALK 2.0: Examining the effectiveness of Web 2.0 features to increase physical activity in a ‘real world’ setting: an ecological trial protocol
  1. Cristina M Caperchione1,
  2. Gregory S Kolt2,
  3. Trevor N Savage2,
  4. Richard R Rosenkranz2,3,
  5. Anthony J Maeder4,
  6. Corneel Vandelanotte5,
  7. Mitch J Duncan6,
  8. Anetta Van Itallie5,
  9. Rhys Tague4,
  10. W Kerry Mummery7
  1. 1School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
  2. 2School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  3. 3Department of Human Nutrition, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
  4. 4School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  5. 5Centre for Physical Activity Studies, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
  6. 6School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
  7. 7Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  1. Correspondence to Dr Cristina M Caperchione; cristina.caperchione{at}ubc.ca

Abstract

Introduction Low levels of health-enhancing physical activity require novel approaches that have the potential to reach broad populations. Web-based interventions are a popular approach for behaviour change given their wide reach and accessibility. However, challenges with participant engagement and retention reduce the long-term maintenance of behaviour change. Web 2.0 features present a new and innovative online environment supporting greater interactivity, with the potential to increase engagement and retention. In order to understand the applicability of these innovative interventions for the broader population, ‘real-world’ interventions implemented under ‘everyday conditions’ are required. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference in physical activity behaviour between individuals using a traditional Web 1.0 website with those using a novel Web 2.0 website.

Methods and analysis In this study we will aim to recruit 2894 participants. Participants will be recruited from individuals who register with a pre-existing health promotion website that currently provides Web 1.0 features (http://www.10000steps.org.au). Eligible participants who provide informed consent will be randomly assigned to one of the two trial conditions: the pre-existing 10 000 Steps website (with Web 1.0 features) or the newly developed WALK 2.0 website (with Web 2.0 features). Primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed by self-report at baseline, 3 months and 12 months, and include: physical activity behaviour, height and weight, Internet self-efficacy, website usability, website usage and quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination This study has received ethics approval from the University of Western Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference Number H8767) and has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (Reference Number 589903). Study findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications, academic conferences and local community-based presentations.

Trial registration number Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12611000253909, WHO Universal Trial Number: U111-1119-1755

  • PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
  • PUBLIC HEALTH

This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006374

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    • Correction
      Correction
      British Medical Journal Publishing Group
      BMJ Open 2015; 5 - Published Online First: 28 Oct 2015. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006374corr1