Plain English Summary
Background and study aims
Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of death globally. As little as 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, 5 times a week has been proven to help manage and prevent numerous chronic conditions. In England about a third of adults are insufficiently active. There is therefore a need for efforts to promote physical activity in inactive people. The aim of this study is to provide evidence for future physical activity interventions by evaluating different methods of recruiting inactive people into sport.
Who can participate?
People aged over 16 who are currently undertaking less than 30 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity a week.
What does the study involve?
This study aims to identify adults across Norfolk who are inactive and recruit them into a variety of activities using the following methods:activity recommendations by GPs and Pharmacists, lifestyle groups (e.g., slimming clubs and smoking cessation), and mass marketing (mailing, social media, advertising). Once recruited participants who meet the eligibility criteria of doing less than 30 mins per week of physical activity are able to sign up for a 10-week course in the activity of their choice. At the start of the study participant information, method of recruitment and measures of physical activity are collected using a questionnaire. Throughout the intervention uptake and participation are monitored using a register. Follow-up physical activity data is collected using questionnaires at the end of the course and at 6 and 12 month intervals. Satisfaction with the intervention is also measured upon completion of the intervention and used to improve later interventions.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Physical activity has been shown to have physical and psychological health benefits. Participating in sport regularly also promotes social interaction. There is a risk of developing an injury performing physical activity, but we aim to avoid this by offering professional coaches, suitable facilities and introductory level activity courses.
Where is the study run from?
University of East Anglia (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
February 2014 to December 2016
Who is funding the study?
Sport England (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Prof. Marc Suhrcke
m.suhrcke@uea.ac.uk
Trial website
Contact information
Type
Scientific
Primary contact
Prof Marc Suhrcke
ORCID ID
Contact details
Medical School 2.21
Burnet Road
Norwich
NR3 2BS
United Kingdom
-
m.suhrcke@uea.ac.uk
Additional identifiers
EudraCT number
ClinicalTrials.gov number
Protocol/serial number
16073
Study information
Scientific title
Fun and Fit Norfolk: Evaluating different methods of recruiting and engaging inactive individuals into sport
Acronym
Fun and Fit Norfolk (Version 1)
Study hypothesis
Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of death globally. As little as 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (PA), 5 times a week has been proven to help manage and prevent numerous chronic conditions. In England approximately a third of adults are insufficiently active. There is therefore a need for efforts to promote PA in inactive individuals in order to gain positive public health benefits.
The purpose of the project is to provide evidence for future PA interventions by evaluating different methods of recruiting inactive people into sport. The project has been funded by Sport England, Active Norfolk, Norfolk County Council and Public Health Norfolk.
Ethics approval
First MREC approval date 17/02/2014, ref. 14EE0004
Study design
Non-randomised; Interventional; Design type: Prevention
Primary study design
Interventional
Secondary study design
Non randomised study
Trial setting
Community
Trial type
Prevention
Patient information sheet
Not available in web format, please use contact details to request a participant information sheet
Condition
Topic: Primary Care Research Network for England; Subtopic: Not Assigned; Disease: All Diseases
Intervention
We will aim to identify adults across Norfolk who are inactive and recruit them into a variety of activities using the following methods:
1. Active: Activity Recommendation by GPs and Pharmacists
2. Semiactive: Lifestyle groups (e.g. Slimming clubs and Smoking Cessation)
3. Passive: Mass marketing (mailing, social media, advertising)
Once recruited participants who meet the eligibility criteria of doing less than 30 mins/week of PA will be able to signup for a 10 week course in the activity of their choice. The intervention will consist of ten weekly one-hour activity sessions run by professionally qualified and insured coaches at suitable venues across Norfolk.
Data Collection:
Before: Baseline data will be collected using a questionnaire and will include demographic and participant information, method of recruitment and measures of physical activity.
During: Throughout the intervention uptake and participation will be monitored using a register.
After: Follow up physical activity data will be collected using questionnaires at the end of the course and at 6 and 12 month intervals. Satisfaction with the intervention will also be measured upon completion of the intervention and used to improve later interventions for this population.
Follow Up Length: 12 month(s); Study Entry : Registration only
Intervention type
Behavioural
Phase
Drug names
Primary outcome measure
Recruitment method; Timepoint(s): Baseline
Secondary outcome measures
Weekly physical activity; Timepoint(s): Baseline, end of intervention, 6 and 12 months
Overall trial start date
17/02/2014
Overall trial end date
01/12/2016
Reason abandoned (if study stopped)
Eligibility
Participant inclusion criteria
1. Must be over 16 years old
2. Currently undertaking less than 30 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity a week
Participant type
Other
Age group
Adult
Gender
Both
Target number of participants
Planned Sample Size: 3000; UK Sample Size: 3000
Participant exclusion criteria
1. Under 16 years old
2. Currently undertaking more than 30 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity a week
3. Health contraindications to physical activity
Recruitment start date
17/02/2014
Recruitment end date
01/12/2016
Locations
Countries of recruitment
United Kingdom
Trial participating centre
University of East Anglia
Norwich
NR3 2BS
United Kingdom
Funders
Funder type
Government
Funder name
Sport England (UK); Grant Codes: 2012021349
Alternative name(s)
Funding Body Type
Funding Body Subtype
Location
Results and Publications
Publication and dissemination plan
Not provided at time of registration
Intention to publish date
Participant level data
Not provided at time of registration
Basic results (scientific)
Publication list