Background: This paper describes the process, impact and outcomes of an innovative health policy project entitled Gym for Free in Birmingham, UK. Objectives: To explore the short-term effectiveness of the pilot scheme in relation to access, utilisation, perceived benefits and sustainability. Design: Cross-sectional study using survey and focus group interviews. Setting: Community-based physical activity intervention programme. Methods: Data were collected using a validated questionnaire (n = 257) and focus group interviews (n = 9). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted where appropriate. Focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: Findings showed that the pilot scheme increased the uptake of exercise particularly for women in an economically deprived inner city area. The use of leisure facilities also increased markedly (p < .05). Thus, the Gym for Free scheme was a step towards addressing health inequality by increasing access to and widening participation in exercise with multiple physical, mental and emotional benefits. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this pilot research project, Gym for Free won numerous national awards for its policy innovation, and, through the support and advocacy of the research team, was extended so as to be available to the whole population of Birmingham, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days a week.
This publication was prepared with funding from the United States D e p a m t of Energy Region VI Appropriate Technology Small Grants Pmgram under Grant No. DE-FG46-81 R622322. Additional funding was provided by the New Mexim Energy Research and Development Institute. The author is solely responsible for the mntent d the material. Neitkr the L Jnittlrl States Department of Energy nor the State of New Mexico nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees or contractors, makes any warranty, e x p d or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for any third party's use of the results of such information, apparatus, product or process disclosed in this report, o r represents that its use by such third party would not infringe privately owned rights.
A process is described that uses mind-mapping and web-authoring software for brainstorming, organizing and publishing information on the web. Examples are given of studies that used the process to review tree seed and agroforestry extension resources, and to summarize research results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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