WalkLink: Internet-based Walking Program

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial based on the Social Networks for Activity (SNAP) Model to evaluate: (1) the effectiveness of an internet-based fitness walking program delivered to patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke; and (2) the contribution of social support networks to enhancing the effectiveness of the internet-based fitness walking program. The investigators will recruit 308 patients who are sedentary and have risk factors for cardiovascular disease and randomly assign them to one of the following groups: 1. Internet-based fitness walking program (WalkLink); 2. Internet-based fitness walking program plus additional social network intervention (WalkLink+); and 3. Minimal treatment control. The primary specific aims of this study are to: Evaluate the effects of WalkLink and WalkLink+ relative to a minimal treatment control group on change in: physical activity, aerobic fitness, blood pressure, body composition, and body mass index (BMI), from baseline to posttest, and at 6-month follow-up. Compare the differential effectiveness of WalkLink+ to WalkLink on change in: physical activity, aerobic fitness, blood pressure, body composition and BMI from baseline to posttest, and at 6-month follow-up. Evaluate the mediator and moderator effects of selected individual-level self-management skills (goal setting, planning, self-monitoring), social support variables (number of activity partners, social cues for walking, social praise/reinforcement), and physical-ecological variables (neighborhood walkability, physical cues for walking) on WalkLink and WalkLink+ treatment outcomes.

Official Title
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WalkLink:Internet-based Walking Program for Cardiovascular Disease Risk-Reduction

Conditions
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Physical Activity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Group


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Sedentary, defined as less than 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity Between the ages of 35 and 64 Able to speak English Able to provide informed consent Able to participate in moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g., moderate pace walking) Exclusion Criteria: No access to home or private work computer with Internet access Body mass index (BMI) greater than 39.9 Systolic blood pressure > 160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure > 100 mm Hg Bone, joint, or foot problems that interfere with walking Diabetes, pulmonary, or cardiovascular disease Consume 5 or more drinks of alcohol a day Currently pregnant Not living within the preselected study neighborhoods or plan to move from the local area during the study period

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 35 Years
Maximum Age: 64 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Enhanced Usual Care Group<br>Participants received weekly emailed tips of the week to provide support for walking. | Behavioral: Group<br>* Walking programs with various levels of support will be administered to determine which one is most effective.<br>* Other names: WalkLink+;|
| Experimental: WalkLink Group<br>Participants received weekly emailed tips of the week, plus evidence-based online fitness walking program. | Behavioral: Group<br>* Walking programs with various levels of support will be administered to determine which one is most effective.<br>* Other names: WalkLink+;|
| Experimental: WalkLink+ Group<br>Participants received weekly emailed tips, plus evidence-based online fitness walking program, plus online/in-person social network intervention. | Behavioral: Group<br>* Walking programs with various levels of support will be administered to determine which one is most effective.<br>* Other names: WalkLink+;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Moderate Vigorous Activity | Change in Moderate Vigorous Activity will be assessed using Actigraph accelerometers | 9 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Health Risk Factors | Aerobic fitness, blood pressure, body mass index, body composition | 9 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Walking programs, Physical Activity, Behavior Modification, Social Support