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‘10 000 Steps Flanders’: evaluation of the state-wide dissemination of a physical activity intervention in Flanders

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the state-wide dissemination of a physical activity (PA) intervention in Flanders. In 2011, a random sample was taken of the entire adult (25-75 years) population of Flanders. Data of the Flemish sample were compared with baseline data of the intervention and control group of 10 000 Steps Ghent (2005). In total, data of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were available of 2556 respondents (1675 of the comparison sample and 881 of the Flemish sample). Pedometer data were obtained by 269 respondents of the Flemish sample and by 1236 respondents of the comparison sample. Compared with the comparison sample of 2005, the Flemish sample reported more walking (P < 0.001), moderate (P < 0.001), vigorous (P < 0.001), work-related (P < 0.001), leisure time (P = 0.01) and household PA (P = 0.03). Step count analyses revealed that the Flemish sample took more pedometer-based daily step counts (P < 0.001) than the comparison sample. Furthermore, a higher proportion of respondents reaching the 10 000 steps/day goal (P = 0.005) was found in the Flemish sample. A positive effect of 10 000 Steps Flanders was found. Results indicate that a state-wide approach based on socio-ecological models is an effective strategy to promote PA in a large population.

SmartLife – Exergames and Smart Textiles to Promote Energy-Related Behaviours Among Adolescents

SmartLife aims to promote healthy living habits and avoid sedentary lifestyles in adolescents by creating a mobile game that requires lower body movement, and uses tailored feedback, based on physical activity indices measured by a smart shirt. To date, no serious games exist that tailor game play by real-time feedback on achievement of the target behaviour. This approach can improve current exergames by reaching higher levels of intensity in physical activity, which is needed to impact on health. The tailored approach also supports competence and feasibility and hence reduces drop-out and injury risks.