How is your walking group running?

Abstract

Purpose -The present study sought to obtain a better understanding of the determinants that influence the adherence to individual walking groups. Design/methodology/approach -The study took place as part of the "Just Walk It" (JWI) programme of the Australian National Heart Foundation. The research model incorporated social environmental, physical environmental, cognitive and socio-demographic factors. Participants (n ¼ 284; response rate 49.6 per cent) of the JWI programmme completed a survey, which measured environmental, cognitive and socio-demographic factors. Exercise adherence was monitored over a period of 12 months. To identify the potential predictors bivariate correlation analyses and linear regression analyses were performed. Findings -Social cohesion was identified as the sole predictor of adherence to walking groups, while cohesion was further associated with positive attitudes regarding physical activity. Furthermore, participants who perceived their neighbourhood as positive in terms of safety and friendliness were more likely to have a positive attitude toward exercising. Originality/value -The present study indicates the importance of acknowledging the social environment in designing walking group interventions. This paper offers useful information for individuals designing interventions aimed at increasing physical activity.

Is there evidence that walking groups have health benefits? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Group walking is a potentially attractive physical activity intervention that has particular potential to engage those who are interested in the outdoors, whether for leisure or as a health intervention and has been found to be cost-effective in increasing physical activity 17. Additionally, the dynamics and social cohesion of walking groups may have supportive effects that encourage and sustain adherence and positive attitudes towards physical activity,18 companionship and a shared experience of wellness 19. A systematic review in 2007 by Ogilvie et al 20 concluded that people could be encouraged to walk more if interventions were tailored to their needs and targeted at the most sedentary or at those most motivated to change and that group-based approaches, such as the social support of walking groups, are one method of delivering this.…”

Leader Behaviors, Group Cohesion, and Participation in a Walking Group Program

“…13, 14 Such interventions have used a wide range of strategies to influence the group environment, process, and structure to increase cohesion among members. While the mechanisms underlying intervention effectiveness are poorly understood, studies have shown that group cohesion is positively associated with physical activity outcomes, including intervention adherence, 15–19 physical activity, 20–22 and cardio respiratory fitness. 23 Group cohesion in the physical activity context has been defined as a construct that includes the following dimensions: individual attraction to the group task (e.g.…”

Group exercise for adults and elderly: Determinants of participation in group exercise and its associations with health outcome

“…Adherence is particularly high in people in cohesive groups 27) . Similarly, in walking groups, social cohesion may be a predictor of adherence to the walking group 30) . Among the various aspects of social support, material support and positive social interaction had the largest potential to promote adherence to group exercise 31) .…”