331 Participants Needed

Walking Programs for Physical Activity in Rural Communities

JR
CK
Overseen ByCynthia K Perry, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2
Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The investigators will randomize 20 rural libraries to implement either a group-based walking (standard approach) or a group-based walking combined with a civic engagement program (combined approach). Each rural library will enroll between 15-20 participants. The investigators will compare the change in physical activity between participants in each group.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on physical activity, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Walking Programs for Physical Activity in Rural Communities?

Research shows that interventions using wearable activity trackers and regular check-ins can successfully increase physical activity in rural areas. Additionally, personalized interventions with frequent contact have been effective in promoting physical activity.12345

Is walking generally safe for people in rural communities?

Walking programs in rural communities have been shown to be safe, with participants reporting positive satisfaction and improvements in physical activity and health outcomes. No specific safety concerns were noted in the studies reviewed.13678

How does the Walking Programs for Physical Activity in Rural Communities treatment differ from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it combines a walking program with civic engagement, encouraging community involvement to improve local physical activity environments. This dual approach is particularly novel for rural areas, where traditional physical activity programs face challenges due to isolation and limited resources.39101112

Research Team

CK

Cynthia K Perry, PhD

Principal Investigator

Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who live in a rural community served by the local library, can walk for at least 20 minutes, and are currently inactive (less than 3 days of physical activity per week). It's not for those with severe hearing or vision impairments that prevent communication, those already in lifestyle programs, or individuals with cognitive impairment.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.
I can walk for at least 20 minutes without assistance.
Inactive (defined as engaging in physical activity <3 days per week)
See 2 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with cognitive impairment.
I cannot communicate well due to severe hearing, speech, or vision problems.
Participation/intention to participate in other lifestyle modification program(s)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a group-based weekly walking program, with some also participating in a civic engagement program

24 months
Weekly visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, cardiovascular fitness, and collective efficacy

24 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Combined (Step It Up! plus Civic Engagement)
  • Walking only (Step It Up!)
Trial OverviewThe study is testing two approaches to increase physical activity: one group will participate in a walking program called 'Step It Up!', while another will do 'Step It Up!' plus civic engagement activities. The effectiveness of these methods will be compared based on changes in participants' physical activity levels.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Combined (Step It Up! plus Change Club)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions
A group-based, weekly walking program (Step It Up) where participants walk for up to 45 minutes. Participants also spend 30 minutes each week in a civic engagement program (the Change Club) improving walkability in the community
Group II: Walking only (Step It Up!)Active Control1 Intervention
A group-based, weekly walking program (Step It Up) where participants walk for up to 45 minutes.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Oregon Health and Science University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,024
Recruited
7,420,000+

Texas A&M University

Collaborator

Trials
156
Recruited
28,900+

University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Collaborator

Trials
33
Recruited
16,700+

References

Effectiveness of interventions to promote physical activity and/or decrease sedentary behaviour among rural adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2018]
Physical activity promotion in rural health care settings: A rapid realist review. [2022]
My Quest, a Community-Based mHealth Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Promote Weight Loss in Predominantly Rural-Dwelling, Low-Income, Alabama Women. [2021]
Systematic Review of Physical Activity Outcomes of Rural Lifestyle Interventions. [2018]
Rural disparities impact response to a web-based physical activity self-management intervention in COPD: A secondary analysis. [2023]
Physical activity behaviours of adults in the Greater Green Triangle region of rural Australia. [2015]
Effectiveness of a Lifestyle Modification Program Delivered under Real-World Conditions in a Rural Setting. [2021]
Implementation of Physical Activity Interventions in Rural, Remote, and Northern Communities: A Scoping Review. [2021]
Promoting physical activity in rural Australian adults using an online intervention. [2019]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
A Civic Engagement Approach to Encourage Healthy Eating and Active Living in Rural Towns: The HEART Club Pilot Project. [2019]
Rural Environments and Community Health (REACH): a randomised controlled trial protocol for an online walking intervention in rural adults. [2021]
Stage of change specific triggers and barriers to moderate physical activity. [2019]