Using the internet in physical activity promotion: A randomised trial of intervention delivery modes

A growing number of the population are utilising the internet for health information, with researchers predicting that the future of internet-based health or e -Health will largely consist of 'preventive' sites that will facilitate healthy living, such as the adoption and maintenance of physical activity. Therefore, the overarching goal of this thesis was to (a) develop a 12 -week behavioural modification program (Health-eSteps) and (b) compare intervention delivery modes of the Health-eSteps program. Using a systematic evaluation framework, this thesis reports on a series of studies addressing the formative, impact and summative evaluations of an internet-based physical activity behavioural modification program targeting healthy inactive adults with internet access.

The formative evaluation process involved the conceptualisation, design and development of a 12 -week internet-based physical activity program, embedded within social -cognitive theory and a self -management framework. Aspects of website useability were assessed and refined with an expert panel and sample of the target population end - users using qualitative semi -structured interviews. The impact evaluation involved assessing the effectiveness of three intervention delivery modes. A three -group randomised trial was conducted with 192 participants allocated to one of three interventions groups, traditional face-to-face, internet-mediated (combined internet and face-to-face) and internet-only. Results showed comparative increases in self -report physical activity with significant increases observed across all three intervention groups, suggesting the Health-eSteps website was as effective as traditional face-to-face delivery.

Results from the summative evaluation process showed that the face-to-face intervention group had significantly lower program exposure compared to the internet groups. The summative evaluation also revealed that despite the internet being a feasible delivery mode for a physical activity behavioural modification program, the internet remains less preferable to participants than traditional face-to-face. Overall, this research supports the growing body of evidence for internet-based behaviour change programs, however further research is required to address issues of internet-engagement and retention as well as acceptability.