Stage Two of the SPARColl research programme
The stage two research programme of SPARColl retains a focus on walking and has been designed with six key strands. We are currently working towards each of these core strands.
1. Primary Research
- Extension of the WWW study to include collection of follow up data at 24 and 36 months
- Systematic review of the range and evidence of effectiveness of different recruitment strategies to encourage children and adults to participate in research and practice led walking programmes (led by Dr Charlie Foster, University of Oxford and SPARColl advisor)
- Further investigation of recruitment to a physical activity programme. This element will emerge following on from the systematic review above.
- The administration of 3 PhD studentships on the topic of physical activity for health, an important element of primary research and capacity building.
2. Externally funded research grants to supplement the core work programme
- West End Walkers 65+: funded by the Chief Scientist Office's this study is exploring the feasibility of a pedometer-based walking programme in combination with a physical activity consultation in Scottish adults aged 65 years and over in a primary care setting. Further information on this study can be found here.
- IConnect: funded by the EPSRC, SPARColl advisors (Mutrie, Ogilvie, Bull) are contributing to the evaluation of the Connect2 programme. The iConnect (Impact of COnstructing Non-motorised Networks and Evaluating Changes in Travel) study aims to measure and evaluate the changes in travel, physical activity and carbon emissions related to Sustrans' Connect2 programme. Further information on IConnect is available from here.
3. Implementation of WWW
We have collected a large amount of data from the Walking for Wellbeing in the West study. The programme has resulted in very successful behaviour change. We would like to develop our links with community walking projects to determine if the findings from this trial can be disseminated and successfully implemented on a wider scale. Effective evaluation using the RE-AIM principles will demonstrate whether groups are implementing the evidence base from WWW as planned, what works best and if the project is improving over time.
4. Evaluation
SPARColl advisors attend (and bring input from collaborators and international reviewers) meetings of the National Physical Activity Research and Evaluation (NPARE) group set up by NHS Health Scotland. Through this group SPARColl advises on issues relating to research and evaluation on the topic of physical activity in Scotland.
5. Evaluation training/work force development
We are developing the substantive content of an e-learning resource on the topic of evaluation (in relation to physical activity). The module will be available from this website in the coming months.
6. Knowledge exchange and dissemination
We are engaging in knowledge exchange and dissemination by organising SPARColl research seminars which will be delivered by SPARColl advisors or visiting academics. We are developing a network of physical activity researchers in Scotland to ensure efficient communication. If you would like to be added to this network please contact the SPARColl project co-ordinator.