Targeting engagement in resistance training in the community using outdoor gyms: A study protocol for 'scaling-up' the ecofit intervention

ecofit is a community-based multi-component resistance and aerobic-based physical activity intervention with established efficacy in adults at risk of/diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and effectiveness in community-dwelling adults failing to satisfy physical activity recommendations. This implementation study will outline the steps in guiding the translation pathway of ecofit to larger scale implementation using two different implementation support models: (i) Low support (i.e., ecofit app/website) versus (ii) Moderate support (i.e., ecofit app/website + QR codes + face-to-face workout sessions). To clarify, the introductory workout sessions are not an intervention component but an implementation strategy. The intervention itself is receiving the ecofit app, which users can use as much as they wish. The length of the implementation period is 6-months For the moderate support model: The workout sessions will be supervised/run by an Exercise professional (e.g., personal trainer, exercise physiologist) and will be conducted at outdoors at the outdoor gyms, which have been randomised to the intervention group. Each outdoor gym will receive 3 sessions in the second month of the trial and will last for approx 60 minutes. These are introductory sessions to using the outdoor gyms to workout. The Exercise professional will guide attendees through exercises that are of beginner/entry level; these are considered low-moderate intensity. No strategies will be used to assess adherence as it's optional to attend, however, count data will be collected to see how many people attend each session. Examples of exercises include sit to stand, push up against a high bar, seated lean and hold, supported leg raises. The QR codes is linked to the ecofit platform i.e., if a person scans the QR code, they will be directed to the ecofit website where they get instructed on how they can download the app/sign up. As the randomisation occurs on a park level, only parks randomised to the moderate support strategies will receive the additional support strategies (i.e., QR codes and face-to-face workout sessions). Individuals can attend whichever park they chose to, but they will not know that some parks are intervention versus control parks. The app is free to anyone to use, so all individuals can download it. For those who download the app, they will have access to workouts that guide them through exercises using the outdoor gym equipment. They also have access to introductory material e.g., an app manual and brief video (2 min) explaining how to use the app. It is up to participants’ own discretion to use the app as much or as little as they like. Given the last point, there are no strategies to monitor adherence, however, we will collect data on app usage.