The formative evaluation of The HERizon Project randomised controlled trial - a home-based physical activity intervention for adolescent girls
Oral Presentation B9.1
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.543Keywords:
Adolescents, Physical Activity, COVID-19, Girls, Behaviour ChangeAbstract
Purpose: The HERizon Project is a home-based multi-component physical activity (PA) intervention for adolescent girls in the UK and Ireland. This study was a formative evaluation of its implementation during the initial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Methods: 42 female participants aged 13 to 16 years old (mean = 14.2, SD = 1.1), were randomly allocated to: (i) the HERizon intervention group (n = 22) or (ii) a wait-list control group (n = 20). Participants in the six-week intervention group were asked to complete three PA sessions of their choice each week, engage in weekly need-supportive videocalls with an Activity Mentor, and had access to live workouts and a private social media group. The primary outcome was self-reported habitual PA. Secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run), muscular strength (standing long jump), muscular endurance (push up test), and psychosocial outcomes (Perceived Competence Scale, Body Appreciation Scale, Self-Esteem Questionnaire, Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after the six-week intervention. Quantitative and qualitative process evaluation data were also collected which included online interviews (n = 10). Linear mixed modelling and reflexive thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Results: There was no significant change in habitual PA between groups (p = 0.767). The intervention group had significantly increased cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.001), muscular endurance (p = 0.022), intrinsic motivation (p = 0.037), and body appreciation (p < 0.003) in comparison to the wait-list control group. All participants in the intervention group completed the intervention and compliance to the intervention was high (participants completed 18 ± 2 sessions). The live workouts, behaviour change support and routine were identified as key facilitators to adhering to the programme. Benefits of the programme reported during interviews included increased enjoyment of exercise, increased confidence and improved performance. Conclusions: Although no change in PA was observed, HERizon resulted in improved physical fitness and psychosocial outcomes. These preliminary findings, alongside positive findings for feasibility and acceptability, highlight potential benefits from the home-based intervention, thus further investigation is warranted. Future trials should include accelerometers for a more accurate measurement of habitual PA. Funding: Study founded by The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Cofund (DTA3) (grant agreement number: 801604).
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2021 Emma S. Cowley, Paula M. Watson, Lawrence Foweather, Sarahjane Belton, Chiara Mansfield, Gabriella Whitcomb-Khan, Isabella Cacciatore, Andrew Thompson, Dick Thijssen, Anton J.M. Wagenmakers
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Terms of Publication
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the Health & Fitness Journal of Canada’s right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
- The Contributor (author(s)) represents and guarantees that the Contributor is the sole proprietor of the work and the Contributor has full power to make this Agreement and grant that the work does not infringe the copyright or other proprietary right of any other person; and the work contains no libellous or other unlawful matter and makes no improper invasion of the privacy of any other person. The Contributor also represents and is responsible for the accuracy of the work.
- The Contributor will read, correct, and return promptly galleys and page proofs to the Editor (or designate). The Contributor will be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of these corrections. If the Contributor does not return galleys and page proofs within the schedule agreed upon with the Editor (or designate), the Publisher may proceed without the Contributor corrections.
- When applicable, the Contributor agrees to obtain written permissions and letters of agreement for all matter contained in the work that is protected by existing copyright, paying any permission fees for the use of text or illustrations controlled by others, and furnishing the Publisher with written evidence of the copyright owner’s authorization to use the material.
- When applicable, the Contributor agrees to obtain written permission for inclusion of any photographic materials involving a human subject, and provide the Publisher with written evidence of the subject’s authorization to use this material. In the case of subjects who have not reached the age of majority, the Contributor agrees to obtain and furnish the Publisher with written permission from the parent and/or legal guardian.
- The Contributor may draw on and refer to material in the work in preparing other articles for publication in scholarly and professional journals and papers for delivery at professional meetings, provided that credit is given to the work and to the Publisher.
- This agreement may not be changed unless the Contributor and the Publisher agree to the change by means of a formal addendum signed by the Contributor and the Publisher’s representative.
- This agreement shall be construed and governed according to the laws of the province of British Columbia and shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives. Should any formal proceedings related to this agreement be brought, such formal proceeding may be brought only in the province of British Columbia.
By submitting an article to the Health & Fitness Journal of Canada the Contributor has accepted and agreed to all terms outlined in the copyright notice.
