Active Children Through Incentive Vouchers – Evaluation (ACTIVE): a mixed-methods feasibility study
Danielle Christian (DECIPHer)
14.15, Tuesday 9 July. Millennium Lounge, level 5
Background
Physical activity levels decline in teenage populations and are lowest in deprived, ethnic minority and female groups. This study aimed to examine if an activity voucher scheme could be used to overcome the barriers to physical activity experienced by teenagers in deprived areas.
Methods
Mixed method design whereby 115 teenagers aged 13-14 received £25 of activity vouchers per month for six months. Outcome variables: fitness (12 minute Cooper Run before, after intervention and six month follow-up), self-report activity (PAQ-A), accelerometer-assessed activity, and motivation to exercise (BREQ-2). Focus groups were conducted at baseline, three months, at the end of the intervention and six months follow-up.
Results
At least one voucher was used by 80% of children. A matched pair t-test of children before and after intervention showed significant improvement in fitness, accelerometer-assessed activity, but not self-assessed activity (PAQ-A). The children with higher motivation to exercise scores had higher voucher use. Qualitative findings showed vouchers were used with friends for socialising through activity, provided opportunities to access previously unaffordable local activities and engaged both those interested and disinterested with physical activity.
Conclusion
Evidence from the pilot of the voucher scheme suggests young people and teachers support this scheme and findings will be taken forward to inform a larger intervention trial.
Physical activity levels decline in teenage populations and are lowest in deprived, ethnic minority and female groups. This study aimed to examine if an activity voucher scheme could be used to overcome the barriers to physical activity experienced by teenagers in deprived areas.
Methods
Mixed method design whereby 115 teenagers aged 13-14 received £25 of activity vouchers per month for six months. Outcome variables: fitness (12 minute Cooper Run before, after intervention and six month follow-up), self-report activity (PAQ-A), accelerometer-assessed activity, and motivation to exercise (BREQ-2). Focus groups were conducted at baseline, three months, at the end of the intervention and six months follow-up.
Results
At least one voucher was used by 80% of children. A matched pair t-test of children before and after intervention showed significant improvement in fitness, accelerometer-assessed activity, but not self-assessed activity (PAQ-A). The children with higher motivation to exercise scores had higher voucher use. Qualitative findings showed vouchers were used with friends for socialising through activity, provided opportunities to access previously unaffordable local activities and engaged both those interested and disinterested with physical activity.
Conclusion
Evidence from the pilot of the voucher scheme suggests young people and teachers support this scheme and findings will be taken forward to inform a larger intervention trial.