Effectiveness of a lifestyle physical activity intervention in a women's organization

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a minimal contact physical activity intervention that was maximally integrated into the existing structures of a women's organization. The intervention included one group meeting, a self-help booklet, and five monthly reminder letters and was implemented in four units of a rural women's organization. Two other units served as control group. Pretest and posttest measurements were completed by 81 women in the intervention group and 88 in the control group. Physical activity was assessed at baseline and at 6 months with accelerometers and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). There was a significant interaction between time and group for the total accelerometer activity counts (p = 0.007). Total activity counts increased in the intervention group, whereas there was a decrease in the control group. No significant results were found with the IPAQ. An intervention in a women's organization was effective in increasing the objectively measured physical activity levels of its members. These results indicate that women's organizations can be valuable settings for physical activity promotion programs. The minimal number of contact hours and the use of existing structures and communication channels are important strengths for later implementation.