n (%) at baseline

n (%) at 6 months

n (%) at 12 months

Control group (n=59)

Intervention group (n=59)

Control group (n=47)

Intervention group (n=46)

Control group

 (n=46)

Intervention group

(n=47)

Physical activity min.30/min/day

21 (36%)

18 (31%)

15 (32%)

24 (52%)

11 (25%)

24 (52%)

Physical activity 30/min/day was significantly higher in the intervention group after 12 months (P=.010)

Control group n=11 (25%) Intervention group n=24 (52%)

Intervention group

3 months n (%)

6 months n (%)

12 months n (%)

n=43

n=49

n=49

Use of pedometer

41 (95%)

39 (80%)

36 (73%)

n=43

n=49

n=47

Use of logbook

39 (91%)

30 (61%)

19 (40%)

Quantitative Findings:

Physical activity (self-reported) was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the usual care group (P=.002). The main part of participants in the intervention group used pedometer at 3 months and at 6 months follow-up, but use decreased to 73 % at 12 months follow-up. The logbook was also used by most participants at 3 months follow-up, and 61% used logbook at 6 months follow-up. At 12 months follow-up, use of logbook declined to 40% of the participants. Among the users of a pedometer, 82% reported that it had “great impact” at 6 months follow-up, and the same was reported by 52% of the users at 12 months follow-up. Among the users of a logbook, 73% reported that it had “great impact” at 6 months follow-up, and 44% of the users reported the same at 12 months follow-up.

Qualitative Findings:

The participants pointed out that they regarded the pedometer as a powerful instrument for motivation and they felt obliged to walk when they saw the numbers on the pedometer. Although almost all the participants used the logbook, for some of them, it was only in the beginning that they found it meaningful when they used it to map their walking route routine. Others used the logbook every day and found it helped to motivate them to go out for a walk and do something about their daily steps goal. Patients explained:

“…I am using the pedometer, looking at it every day... I am completely dependent on that pedometer.”(B)

“…at 11.45 p.m. my alarm rings on my phone and I find the logbook and write my steps down...that logbook means everything for me…” (F)

Mixed-Methods Inferences: Confirmation

Qualitative and quantitative findings regarding physical activity and use of pedometer and logbook confirmed each other. Both datasets indicate that pedometer and logbook are powerful tools to increase daily physical activity.