Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: May 4, 2018
Open Peer Review Period: May 9, 2018 - Jul 4, 2018
Date Accepted: Mar 30, 2019
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Effect of a web-based versus face to face lifestyle intervention on perceived benefits and barriers to exercise in midlife women: A three arm equivalency study.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) account for more than 18 million deaths in women annually, with many of these deaths being attributed to modifiable risk factors like physical inactivity. Women perceive a range of benefits and barriers to exercise, however, there is little evidence about the effect of different lifestyle intervention delivery modes on perceptions of exercise.
Objective:
This study compares the effect of a multiple health behavior change intervention called the Women’s Wellness Program or WWP. This intervention was delivered in three different modes on perceived exercise benefits, perceived exercise barriers, and actual physical activity and exercise in midlife women.
Methods:
Women aged 45 to 65 years were recruited via the study website. Women were assigned in blocks to three different treatment groups (A. online independent; B. face-to-face with nurse consultations, and; C. online with virtual nurse consultations). All participants received the 12 week intervention that utilises principles from social-cognitive theory to provide a structured guide to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours with an emphasis on regular exercise and healthy eating. Data were collected using self-report online questionnaire at baseline (T1) and post intervention (T2) including perceived exercise benefits and barriers (EBBS) and exercise and physical activity (SPA). Data analysis examined both within and between groups changes over time.
Results:
Participants in this study (n = 225) had a mean age of 50.9 years ± 5.9 and most were married or living with a partner (83.3%, n = 185). Attrition was 30.2% with 157 participants completing the final questionnaire. Women in all intervention groups reported a significant increase in positive perceptions of exercise (p < .05); a significant increase in exercise and overall physical activity (p > .01), with moderate to large effect sizes noted for overall physical activity (d = .5 - .87). Participants receiving support from registered nurses in the face to face and online groups, had a greater magnitude of change in benefits perceptions and physical activity compared to the online independent group. There was no significant change in exercise barriers perceptions within or between groups over time.
Conclusions:
Results of this study suggest the multiple health behaviour change intervention can be effective in increasing exercise benefits perceptions, overall physical activity and exercise in midlife women. While web-based programs are cost effective, flexible and can be delivered remotely, providing a range of options including face to face group delivery and personalised e-health coaching from registered nurses, has potential to enhance participant engagement and motivation. Clinical Trial: ANZCTR: ACTRN12616001189415
Citation

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