Formative Evaluation of a Home-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Adolescent Girls—The HERizon Project: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background. This is a formative evaluation study of the HERizon Project, a home-based multi-component physical activity (PA) intervention for adolescent girls in the UK and Ireland. Although not intended, this study coincided with the initial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Methods. A total of 42 female participants, aged 13 to 16 years old (mean = 14.2, SD = 1.1), were randomly allocated to: (i) the HERizon group (n = 22) or (ii) the wait-list control group (n = 20). Participants in the six-week HERizon group were asked to complete three PA sessions each week and engage in weekly behaviour change support video calls. The primary outcome measure was self-reported habitual PA. Secondary outcomes measures included cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run), muscular strength (standing long jump), muscular endurance (push up test), and psychosocial outcomes (Perceived Competence Scale, Body Appreciation Scale, Self-Esteem Questionnaire, Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire). Quantitative and qualitative process evaluation data were also collected. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after the six-week intervention. Results. There was no significant change in habitual PA between groups (LMM group*time interaction: p = 0.767). The HERizon group had significantly increased cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.001), muscular endurance (p = 0.022), intrinsic motivation (p = 0.037), and body appreciation (p < 0.003) in comparison to the wait-list control group. All participants in the intervention group completed the intervention and compliance to the intervention was high (participants completed 18 ± 2 sessions). Conclusions. Although no change in PA was observed, HERizon resulted in improved physical fitness and psychosocial outcomes. These preliminary findings, alongside positive findings for feasibility and acceptability, highlight potential benefits from the home-based intervention, thus further investigation is warranted.

Effectiveness of Physical Activity Counseling in University Students Educated by Distance Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

“…To obtain beneficial contributions and preventive effect of exercise and physical activities across COVID-19 (14,15), it is recommended that people should exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 150 min/week and/or walking 10000 steps/d at a rate of 64-170 steps/min for at least 10 min duration (14). (32). In contrast to result of current study, it is interesting not to improve physical activity levels of the girls (32).…”

What Happened in ‘The HERizon Project’?—Process Evaluation of a Multi-Arm Remote Physical Activity Intervention for Adolescent Girls

“…Further, it has been shown that social media can have a positive impact on health behaviours, such as improved PA and body composition [ 53 , 54 ]. Instagram was the chosen platform based on previous feedback from adolescent girls [ 7 ], and during focus groups participants confirmed that this was the most appropriate platform for the HERizon community as it was the social media they used most frequently (with Tik Tok and Discord being other recommended alternatives). Similar to Hutton and Robson [ 55 ], participant exit survey responses demonstrate moderate satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the group chat, however during focus groups and interviews it was evident that the majority of girls did not use the chat as intended.…”

“…The HERizon Project aimed to increase the PA levels of adolescent girls in the UK and Ireland. Knowledge gained from earlier formative work and a feasibility study was instrumental in the design of the current study [ 7 , 10 ]. This RCT assessed whether three intervention arms: (i) PA programme group, (ii) behaviour change support group, (iii) combined PA programme and behaviour change support group, each delivered remotely for 12 weeks, increased MVPA compared to a (iv) comparison group.…”

“…Yet, a recent global report found that almost 85% of adolescent girls were not meeting the minimum PA guidelines [ 5 ], with moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) declining in girls by 10% annually from the age of 9 years old [ 6 ]. The factors influencing adolescent girls’ participation in PA are complex and multifaceted, with common barriers including fear of being judged by others [ 7 ], dislike of PA [ 8 ], and a perception that femininity is incompatible with being physically active [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…‘The HERizon Project’ was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) which aimed to evaluate the effect of remote PA interventions designed to increase PA levels of adolescent girls living in the UK and Ireland. Following on from previous formative work [ 7 ], the trial consisted of four arms: PA programme group, behaviour change support group, combined PA programme group and behaviour change support group, and a comparison group ( Table 1 ). This mixed-method process evaluation aims to report on what components, and their dose, were implemented in each intervention arm, which factors influenced the trial recruitment and implementation, and participants’ perceived acceptability and enjoyment.…”