Phase 2

Phase 2 of SPARColl involves a community walking project, Walking for Wellbeing in the West (WWW). Details of WWW outputs to date can be found in the SPARColl publications section of this site.

Walking for Wellbeing in the West

The Walking for Well-being in the West (WWW) study aims to promote walking in a West of Glasgow community. The study began in August 2006 and will end in Summer 2008. The main objective of the WWW study is to determine if pedometers, in conjunction with physical activity counselling, can increase and maintain independent walking behaviour over 12 months. The study is examining the complex relationship between behavioural change, health consequences and the role of the environment, along with participants' views and experiences and the cost effectiveness of this approach.

Behavioural

Walking behaviour is being assessed using pedometer step counts and a 7-day recall of physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Psychology

The Transtheoretical Model is being used as a theoretical framework to investigate the relationship between participants' psychological constructs and behaviour change.

Physiology

A variety of health outcomes are being measured to assess the health impact of the intervention.

Environment

Ms Annemarie Wright is investigating how participants' perceive their local environment in relation to walking.

Dr Cath Millington and Dr Catharine Ward Thompson are objectively exploring the walkability of the WWW study area using GIS and an environmental audit tool.

Qualitative Evaluation

Dr Rebecca Shaw is undertaking qualitative research alongside, but independently of, the randomised trial to help to understand the social context of WWW.

Economic Evaluation

Dr Elisabeth Fenwick is undertaking an economic evaluation of the intervention.