WalkLink: Internet-based Walking Program

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Physical Activity

• Registration Number: NCT01142804
• Lead Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Brief Summary

The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial based on the Social Networks for Activity (SNAP) Model to evaluate: (1) the effectiveness of an internet-based fitness walking program delivered to patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke; and (2) the contribution of social support networks to enhancing the effectiveness of the internet-based fitness walking program. The investigators will recruit 308 patients who are sedentary and have risk factors for cardiovascular disease and randomly assign them to one of the following groups: 1. Internet-based fitness walking program (WalkLink); 2. Internet-based fitness walking program plus additional social network intervention (WalkLink+); and 3. Minimal treatment control.

The primary specific aims of this study are to:

1. Evaluate the effects of WalkLink and WalkLink+ relative to a minimal treatment control group on change in: physical activity, aerobic fitness, blood pressure, body composition, and body mass index (BMI), from baseline to posttest, and at 6-month follow-up.

2. Compare the differential effectiveness of WalkLink+ to WalkLink on change in: physical activity, aerobic fitness, blood pressure, body composition and BMI from baseline to posttest, and at 6-month follow-up.

3. Evaluate the mediator and moderator effects of selected individual-level self-management skills (goal setting, planning, self-monitoring), social support variables (number of activity partners, social cues for walking, social praise/reinforcement), and physical-ecological variables (neighborhood walkability, physical cues for walking) on WalkLink and WalkLink+ treatment outcomes.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2010-06-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-06-10
• Study First Posted: 2010-06-11
• Study Start: 2010-08
• Primary Completion: 2012-08
• Study Completion: 2012-08
• Status Verified: 2015-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-08-12
• Last Update Posted: 2015-08-13

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 308

Inclusion Criteria

• Sedentary, defined as less than 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity
• Between the ages of 35 and 64
• Able to speak English
• Able to provide informed consent
• Able to participate in moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g., moderate pace walking)

Exclusion Criteria

• No access to home or private work computer with Internet access
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 39.9
• Systolic blood pressure > 160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure > 100 mm Hg
• Bone, joint, or foot problems that interfere with walking
• Diabetes, pulmonary, or cardiovascular disease
• Consume 5 or more drinks of alcohol a day
• Currently pregnant
• Not living within the preselected study neighborhoods or plan to move from the local area during the study period

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Moderate Vigorous Activity	9 months	Change in Moderate Vigorous Activity will be assessed using Actigraph accelerometers

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Health Risk Factors	9 months	Aerobic fitness, blood pressure, body mass index, body composition

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center; 🇺🇸 Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States