The reach and benefits of a digital intervention to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

Webb, Justin, Horlick, Rhian, Ahlquist, Ashleigh, Hall, Amelia, Brisby, K., Hills, Stephen and Stewart, Duncan (2023) The reach and benefits of a digital intervention to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Perspectives in Public Health, 143 (2). pp. 97-104. ISSN 1757-9139

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Abstract / Description

Aim:
To evaluate a digital intervention to improve physical activity in people in the UK with a musculoskeletal condition delivered during movement restrictions brought about because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:
Service evaluation data collected from 26,041 participants over 5 months was assessed against national datasets to understand the reach and representativeness of the digital physical activity intervention. Measures to restrict the movement and interaction of people were in place during these 5 months. Cross-sectional data from 2,752 participants across different stages of the 12-week programme assessed levels of physical activity and the components of behaviour as defined by the COM-B model. Regression analysis investigated the relationship between programme stage and physical activity and the components of behaviour.

Results:
In comparison to the UK population of people with a musculoskeletal condition, the intervention participants were over-represented by females, White, and inactive people. A cross-sectional analysis suggested that the number of participants regularly active increased by programme stage. Scores for the behavioural components of automatic and reflective motivation, physical and psychological capability, and physical opportunity were also improved by programme stage.

Conclusion:
The service evaluation suggests that the digital intervention, designed to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition, could be beneficial during measures to restrict movement to slow the spread of infectious disease in those who are already motivated to become or stay active.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Copyright © Royal Society for Public Health 2022
Uncontrolled Keywords:	COVID-19; physical activity; digital intervention; musculoskeletal condition; COM-B; behaviour change wheel; Versus Arthritis
Subjects:	100 Philosophy & psychology > 150 Psychology 300 Social sciences > 360 Social problems & services; associations
Department:	School of Social Sciences and Professions
Depositing User:	Justin Webb
Date Deposited:	23 Mar 2022 09:30
Last Modified:	18 Apr 2023 13:19
URI:	https://repository.londonmet.ac.uk/id/eprint/7254

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