Effect of ongoing feedback on compliance with physical activity following an exercise intervention in chronic disease

Individuals who are referred to the Strength2strength (S2S) Program are offered the opportunity to take part in a 12-month follow up study once they have completed the initial 12-week S2S program. Following completion of the 12-week S2S program, participants are allocated into one of three treatment groups - Usual care, telephone counselling or Activity tracker. Usual care Participants are asked to self-report their activity levels via a follow up questionnaire 3, 6 and 12 months post program completion. Participants are asked to report if their activity levels have increased, decreased or stayed the same and the reason for decrease if applicable. They are also asked to report on their sitting time and to rate their confidence and motivation to continue to participate in physical activity. Participants also attend the S2S clinic at 3, 6 and 12 months post program for assessment and functional testing. Telephone counselling Participants receive a total of fifteen (15) calls throughout the 12 month follow up period. For the first 3 months participants receive fortnightly calls. This is increased to monthly calls for the remaining 9 months. All telephone calls are conducted by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with training in motivational interviewing techniques. A protocol is followed by the AEP for each phone call to ensure consisted information is collected. The AEP is able to provide advice regarding exercise prescription and assist participants to overcome any barriers that may be preventing them from being physically active. Participants also attend the S2S clinic at 3, 6 and 12 months post program for assessment and functional testing. Activity Tracker Participants are asked to wear a Jawbone(TM) activity tracker for the 12-month follow up period. Each participant is provided with training on how to use the activity tracker and how to synchronise the device with the tablet provided. Participants are asked to synchronise their step data at the end of each day. Failure to do so prompt an automatic text reminding the participant to synchronise and charge their activity tracker. Participants are provided with specific feedback regarding their activity levels. Additionally, participants receive real time feedback in the form of a vibrotactile alert from the device itself following a set period of inactivity. Individual goals for each participant are set by the AEP following the completion of the 12-week S2S program. Participants also attend the S2S clinic at 3, 6 and 12 months post program for assessment and functional testing.