Community intervention to recruit target audiences and enhance their physical activity in Japan

Abstract

Background: Around 20 million Japanese are recently suffering from or are likely to suffer from the metabolic syndrome. Although it is essential to exercise regularly to prevent the condition, the number of habitual exercisers has not been shown to increase. A more effective approach is needed to ensure positive behavior change in community. The purpose of this program was: 1) to use various recruitment strategies to collect the target audience, and 2) to enhance physical activity as a habitual activity through the use of effective behavior change education sent by mail. Methods and Results: Community intervention involved approaching urban citizens and developing an intervention program to increase their number of steps through the use of a pedometer. As results through some strategies increasing the target population’s exposure to and contact points with the recruitment information, 170 persons participated in the program. Information and handouts were traded for self-monitoring postcards after we had confirmed receipt of the postcards. Handouts consisted of 4 newsletters with a series of articles of behavior change education and motivational information. Although no difference was found in the mean number of steps, the mean numbers of high-intensity activity steps and durations revealed a significant difference between periods and the mean value of LDL cholesterol was significantly improved after the program. Conclusions: Taking a commercial approach might be a suitable means of promoting participation and the use of various forms of media would be a powerful way to distribute information on behavior change techniques for community intervention.