title: Children's Experiences Wearing Pedometers in a Telephone-Delivered Imagery Intervention Aimed at Increasing Active Play.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Much of what we know about pedometer interventions and imagery interventions with children is grounded in quantitative data. The general purpose of the present study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of children who had participated in a 4-week imagery intervention designed to increase active play. Specifically, the current study investigated children's experiences with (a) wearing pedometers and (b) listening to audio recordings (imagery scripts and short stories) via an automated telephone system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two focus-group interviews were conducted with a subsample of children (aged 9-10 years) who had completed the imagery intervention: 1 interview with children from the imagery group (n = 7) and 1 with children from the control group (n = 5).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicated that children enjoyed wearing pedometers. At the same time, children reported some complaints about wearing these devices (e.g., they are uncomfortable). Children also described that the automated telephone system was fun to use, despite the fact that it was difficult to remember to call the system 3 times each week. Finally, children in the imagery group noted that the imagery scripts were easy to imagine and motivated them to engage in active play, while children in the control group found the short stories interesting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the current study can help researchers and practitioners develop and implement effective pedometer and imagery interventions with children.
authors.affiliation: a University of Windsor.
authors.forename: Michelle D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Guerrero
authors.affiliation: a University of Windsor.
authors.forename: Matt D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.affiliation: a University of Windsor.
authors.forename: Krista J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Munroe-Chandler
authors.affiliation: b Western University.
authors.forename: Craig R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D056044:Actigraphy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000523:psychology*; D013689:Telephone
keywords: Health promotion; physical activity; qualitative research; step counters