Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community intervention to increase physical activity in the general population. We designed a non-randomized cluster trial using an intervention area (Nagaizumi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan) and a control area (X city, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan). A total of 6,400 residents (3,200 in each area), aged 30–74 years, were randomly selected to participate in the evaluation. The participants answered a mail survey in 2013, and we plan to do follow-up survey from 2014 to 2018. The intervention program in this project consisted of (1) improving sport and exercise facilities, (2) introducing a healthy mileage program as an incentive, (3) human resource development for health promotion, and (4) a mass media campaign. The outcome variables included physical activity, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), intermediate factors related to physical activity (e.g., information resources about physical activity, opportunity for physical activity and exercise, perceived environment related to physical activity, and practical motivation for physical activity), and participant characteristics (e.g., sex, age, education level). The data from the 842 participants in the intervention area and 863 participants in the control area were analyzed in relation to their baseline levels. The Nagaizumi participants reported more opportunity and a better perceived environment for physical activity than those in control area participants. However, the Nagaizumi participants showed a lower rate of people meeting the standard criteria for physical activity than the control area participants. Surveys to assess the intervention were planned to be conducted at one year and three years after the baseline survey.
