None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Running mitigates many common barriers to physical activity as it is time efficient, inexpensive and easily accessible (Hespanhol et al. 2015; Ainsworth 2011). Running has a positive impact on longevity, reducing the risk of premature mortality by 30% compared to non-runners (Lee 2014; Lee 2017). Yet despite its broad appeal, there are a variety of barriers that can hinder long-term participation, with novice runners most at risk of drop-out (Fokkema 2019; Menheere 2020; Vidbaek 2015; Berelsen 2017). Running-related injury and lack of motivation are two main reasons for discontinuation (Dallinga et al. 2015; Middelweerd et al. 2014). Despite motivation being a known reason in determining running adherence, little is known about how this should be addressed. Online interventions to promote exercise participation in conjunction with activity tracking have been used extensively in health research. Compared to face-to-face interventions, online interventions tend to be low cost and can target a broad population. This study will explore the feasibility of a 12-week online intervention comprised of evidence-based education and relevant behaviour change techniques and strategies to improve running adherence, promote motivation, and increase sustainable running participation.
Interventions
This project will investigate the effect of an online running intervention on motivational and psychological factors related to running maintenance. Participants will be asked to participate in a 12-week online research study receiving either condensed or extended education relevant to running activity (education involves no face-to-face delivery). The online education will address topics known to influence exercise participation including promoting intrinsic motivation, satisfaction of basic ps
This project will investigate the effect of an online running intervention on motivational and psychological factors related to running maintenance. Participants will be asked to participate in a 12-week online research study receiving either condensed or extended education relevant to running activity (education involves no face-to-face delivery). The online education will address topics known to influence exercise participation including promoting intrinsic motivation, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, intentions, and improved self-efficacy. For example, participants will be encouraged to set running goals and create habits to support their running goals. The educational content will be developed in consultation with runners, running experts, coaches and exercise physiologists. The content will include short videos (3-10 minutes in length) hosted via Panopto and activities that participants will be encouraged to watch and complete. Activities include planning their running activity for the week/s ahead or listening to a podcast. It is estimated to take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete each module (videos and activities) per week. The education and materials will be hosted by an external Moodle site hosted by the University of South Australia. Participants will be randomized to either a control group, where they receive basic advice only (‘condensed education’) for 2 weeks, or to an intervention group, where they receive the basic advice (first two weeks) and continuing, weekly education from week two to week 12. Participants can access these in their own time. Control participants will receive the basic advice (‘condensed education’) related to running (e.g. training principles, physical activity guidelines). This will be provided during the first 2 weeks of their participation, after which no new education will be available.
Sponsors
University of South Australia
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 64 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
- Aged 18 – 64 years old - Previously ran as a form of regular physical activity or interested in starting to run or currently running but with less than 3 months of running experience - Own a GPS smartphone and/or a smartwatch capable of tracking basic running metrics - Willing to use a running activity application (Strava) to upload running activity and allow the primary researcher to follow your profile to track running activity - Are not currently injured or undergoing rehab for an injury which may make it difficult to run - Have no known medical conditions which may heighten the risk of adverse event due to running or receive GP clearance to be involved - Have regular internet access
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they have a medical condition or injury that restricts them from running, have a running coach or currently follow a guided running training program (e.g. Couch to 5K).
Outcome results
None listed