Enhancing theoretical fidelity: an e-mail-based walking program demonstration.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the extent to which theoretical fidelity, or precision in replicating theory-based recommendations, influenced the effectiveness of two walking programs based on social cognitive theory (SCT).


METHODS
Two-group randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
College town in Virginia.


METHODS
Sixty-one sedentary adult women.


METHODS
Two 12-week e-mail-based walking programs were compared. The high fidelity program was designed to more precisely follow SCT recommendations for operationalizing mastery procedures than the low fidelity program, which was designed to simulate how mastery procedures were operationalized in most existing SCT-based physical activity programs. Treatment contact and walking prescription were controlled across groups.


METHODS
The 1-mile walk test of physical fitness and SCT measures were completed at baseline and posttest. Self-reported walking quantity was assessed at baseline, posttest, and 1-year follow-up. Walking logs were completed during the program. Process evaluation measures were completed at posttest.


RESULTS
Fifty women completed the study. The high fidelity group improved more than twice as much as the low fidelity group on 1-mile walk test time (86 vs. 32 seconds, p < .05), goal setting (p < .05), and positive outcome expectations (p < .05) and reported greater program satisfaction (p < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Theoretical fidelity could advance the quality of physical activity interventions, which have often shown small effects.
Rovniak
Liza S
LS
Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, CA 92123, USA. lrovniak@projects.sdsu.edu
Hovell
Melbourne F
MF
Wojcik
Janet R
JR
Winett
Richard A
RA
Martinez-Donate
Ana P
AP
D000328:Adult; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012650:Self Disclosure; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014768:Virginia; D016138:Walking