Influence of Activity Log on a Goal-Based Walking Program

A recent review of pedometer-based physical activity interventions concluded that a significant determinant of a successful intervention include either the implementation of a pedometer-based walking goal or the use of an activity log (Bravata et al., 2007). However, the combined influence of these factors for enhancing ambulatory physical activity remains unknown. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of step-recording in an activity log in conjunction with a goal-based walking program for enhancing daily physical activity. Methods: Ninety-four healthy adults (females = 65; age = 21.2 ± 3.5 years; BMI = 26.1 ± 5.1 kg/m2) consented to participate. Baseline physical activity levels were monitored for seven consecutive days using an Omron HJ-151 pedometer. With 22 participants acting as controls (Group 1), the remaining 72 participants were separated into two groups and were given a 10,000 steps/ day walking goal to be achieved over the course of a 10-week pedometer-based intervention. In order to investigate the separate and combined influence of the step goal and activity log on daily physical activity, one group of intervention participants were required to record pedometer-monitored daily step counts in an activity log (Group 2); the final group wore a pedometer throughout the intervention but did not record their daily steps (Group 3). Analysis/Results: A 3x2 (groups x time) repeated-measures ANOVA with between-subject factor, treatment (Groups 1, 2, and 3), and within-subject factor, time (pre- and post-test), was used to analyze differences in physical activity. Follow-up simple effects and contrasts were used to determine significant findings, and an alpha level was set at .05, a priori. Results of the ANOVA illustrated a significant interactive effect for groups (F2,91 = 3.77; p = .027), with a significant simple effect at the post test observed between Group 1 and Group 2 (F2,91 = 3.87; p = .024; mean difference = 2,087 steps/day). Post-test mean steps/day for the three groups were as follows: Group 1 = 7,409 ± 2,882, Group 2 = 9,496 ± 4,075, and Group 3: 7,792 ± 2,134. A significant effect for time was also observed (F1,91 = 26.84; p < .001), illustrating increases in steps/day from pre-test to post-test across groups. Conclusions: Collectively, the use of an activity log in conjunction with a walking goal is recommended for enhancing physical activity in young adults. The activity log may increase participant accountability en route to achieving the physical activity goal.