An evaluation of the Local Exercise Action Pilots and impact on moderate physical activity

Objective Identifying community physical activity interventions that facilitate increases in moderate physical activity (MPA) is important in meeting targets set in government health policy. This study evaluated community interventions that aimed to increase levels of MPA. Intervention themes included exercise referral, classes and groups, peermentoring, motivational interviewing, campaigns and directories, outdoor activity and training physical activity leaders. Design Longitudinal, pre-intervention and intervention assessments occurred between 2004 and 2006. Setting Recruitment of 10,433 people from ten sites located in areas of high health need across England. Method Demographic data were collected by questionnaire, with seven-day, population-specific self-reports assessing pre-intervention and intervention MPA. Using guidelines for young people and adults, MPA MET-minutes/week were used to assign participants to four MPA categories (sedentary, lightly, moderately and highly active) at pre-intervention and intervention phases. Cross-tabulation established movement between three change categories (reversal, stability and progression). Results From nine sites, 5324 people engaged in the evaluation, and a sub-sample of 998 provided demographic and 1022 self-report baseline and intervention data (i.e. completers) for a typical week’s physical activity participation. Of completers who were sedentary or lightly active at pre-intervention, 58.5 per cent achieved recommended physical activity guidelines. 80.9 per cent who were sedentary at pre-intervention reported as lightly, moderately or highly active at intervention. Conclusions Completers increased overall activity levels, including those sedentary and lightly active at pre-intervention who increased levels to recommended guidelines.