Randomized Controlled Theory-Based, E-Mail-Mediated Walking Intervention.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two social cognitive theory-based interventions in increasing walking and compare their efficacy between dog owners and non-dog owners.
Results Summary
Both intervention groups showed greater increases in walking at 6 months, which were maintained at 12 months, with the highest increases observed in the dog owner intervention group. The study concluded that dog owners accumulated more walking, potentially due to the dog-owner relationship.
Population
Adult dog owners (n = 40) and non-dog owners (n = 65).
Effective Dosage
Bi-weekly emails for the first 4 weeks, then weekly emails for the next 8 weeks.
Duration
12 months (intervention lasted 12 weeks, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
two concurrent randomized controlled interventions based on social cognitive theory | increase | walking | adult dog owners and non-dog owners | - | increase | #1 |
bi-weekly emails for first 4 weeks and then weekly email for the next 8 weeks targeting self-efficacy, social support, goal setting, and benefits/barriers to walking | increase | walking | both intervention groups | - | reported greater increases | #2 |
bi-weekly emails for first 4 weeks and then weekly email for the next 8 weeks targeting self-efficacy, social support, goal setting, and benefits/barriers to walking | increase | walking | both intervention groups | - | maintained these increases | #3 |
bi-weekly emails for first 4 weeks and then weekly email for the next 8 weeks targeting self-efficacy, social support, goal setting, and benefits/barriers to walking | increase | walking | dog owner intervention group | - | the greatest increases were seen | #4 |
- | increase | walking | dog owners | - | accumulated more walking | #5 |
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of two concurrent randomized controlled interventions based on social cognitive theory to increase walking. A second purpose was to compare the efficacy of the intervention between two distinct groups: dog owners and non-dog owners. Adult dog owners ( n = 40) and non-dog owners ( n = 65) were randomized into control or intervention groups. Intervention groups received bi-weekly emails for first 4 weeks and then weekly email for the next 8 weeks targeting self-efficacy, social support, goal setting, and benefits/barriers to walking. Dog owner messages focused on dog walking while non-dog owners received general walking messages. Control groups received a 1-time email reviewing current physical activity guidelines. At 6 months, both intervention groups reported greater increases in walking and maintained these increases at 12 months. The greatest increases were seen in the dog owner intervention group. In conclusion, dog owners accumulated more walking, which may be attributed to the dog-owner relationship.