What will happen if I take part?

Everyone who takes part in the study will have two health and fitness checks 12 weeks apart. A comprehensive feedback report of results from both visits will be provided at after the 12 week appointment, giving you the opportunity to compare the results from both visits.

The health check

The health check will take place in the MRC Epidemiology Unit, located on level 3 of the Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre (click on the picture below to link to the MRC ‘how to find us’ page). Directions can also be downloaded from the study documents page.

To start with we will ask you to sign a consent form for the study. We will then take the following measurements:

• Blood Pressure*
• Height*
• Weight*
• Waist Circumference
• Body composition
• A blood sample (less than 2 tablespoons) will be taken to measure cholesterol and glucose levels
• Fitness and Physical Activity will be measured with a treadmill test, walking at different speeds and inclines for up to 20 minutes.
• A brief questionnaire

*See eligibility pages The visit should last no longer than 1½ hours.

Heart Rate Monitor

We will also ask you to wear a small heart rate monitor (ActiHeart TM) for 6 days and nights after your baseline visit, and then again for 6 days and nights before your 12 week follow-up visit. The monitor attaches to your chest by 2 small sticky electrode pads and measures your physical activity and heart rate. This device is discreet and waterproof.

The data collected from both of the 6 day monitors will be fed back to you at the end of the 12 week period, along with the results from both your health checks.

After the first health check

When you have worn the heart rate monitor for 6 days and nights, we will ask you to return it to us. Once we have checked sufficient activity data have been recorded, we will get in touch about what the next steps are. At this stage, participants will be randomised (allocated by chance) into one of four study groups; three groups will receive different types of interventions, and one group will receive no intervention and act as the comparison group. The interventions being tested will involve participants monitoring their daily physical activity using different methods:

1. Comparison group – no intervention

2. Self-monitoring using a paper diary

3. Activity band with web-based feedback graphs

4. Activity band with web-based feedback graphs and support programme

We will provide you with the equipment needed for the intervention. The activity band is worn like a watch. Information on the wearer’s physical activity levels is uploaded via Bluetooth to the program website where you can also access the support and/or feedback programs. Participants in group 4 will also receive a set of interactive Bluetooth-enabled weighing scales to enable them to monitor their weight, should they wish. At the end of the 12-week intervention period we ask you to return all the equipment back to the study office. As some of the interventions are web-based, to be able to participate in the study you will need to have a computer (running Windows XP or 7, or Mac equivalent) and internet access at home, be able to use a computer unaided, and be able to use an English-language website without difficulty.

Follow-up health check

We will try to arrange your follow-up health check visit when we book your first visit. The follow-up visit will be exactly the same as the first visit, only this time you will be asked to wear the heart rate monitor for 6 days and nights and to return it to us before your appointment takes place. Nearer the time we will contact you to confirm this appointment is still convenient, and to arrange for you to wear your heart rate monitor. After the follow-up visit you will be sent a final questionnaire to complete at home and post back to us.

Results Feedback

Once we receive this last questionnaire, we will provide you with feedback from both appointments in the form of a health report. A copy of this will also be sent to your GP, with your permission.