Walking Programs for Physical Activity in Rural Communities

Overseen By Cynthia K Perry, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Severe hearing loss, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 24 months

331 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

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.

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. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

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. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

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. ^{3 5 10 11 12}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Cynthia K Perry, PhD

Principal Investigator

Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 can walk for at least 20 minutes without assistance.

Inactive (defined as engaging in physical activity <3 days per week)

Living within the rural community served by the local library

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Combined (Step It Up! plus Civic Engagement)
• Walking only (Step It Up!)

Trial Overview The 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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Combined (Step It Up! plus Change Club) Experimental Treatment 2 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 Control 1 Intervention

A group-based, weekly walking program (Step It Up) where participants walk for up to 45 minutes.

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+

Citations

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of interventions to promote physical activity and/or decrease sedentary behaviour among rural adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2018]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity promotion in rural health care settings: A rapid realist review. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

My Quest, a Community-Based mHealth Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Promote Weight Loss in Predominantly Rural-Dwelling, Low-Income, Alabama Women. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic Review of Physical Activity Outcomes of Rural Lifestyle Interventions. [2018]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rural disparities impact response to a web-based physical activity self-management intervention in COPD: A secondary analysis. [2023]

6. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity behaviours of adults in the Greater Green Triangle region of rural Australia. [2015]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a Lifestyle Modification Program Delivered under Real-World Conditions in a Rural Setting. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of Physical Activity Interventions in Rural, Remote, and Northern Communities: A Scoping Review. [2021]

9. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting physical activity in rural Australian adults using an online intervention. [2019]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Civic Engagement Approach to Encourage Healthy Eating and Active Living in Rural Towns: The HEART Club Pilot Project. [2019]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rural Environments and Community Health (REACH): a randomised controlled trial protocol for an online walking intervention in rural adults. [2021]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stage of change specific triggers and barriers to moderate physical activity. [2019]