Table 3 ‘Follow on’ support for the Walking Away Plus Group, repeated over the four years of intervention

0 months

First group session (3 hrs)

• As the ‘Walking Away’ group plus extra 15–20 minutes at end of the session to explain the follow-on support and what to expect over the next 12 months in terms of text-messaging, pedometer support and telephone calls.

• One week of self-monitoring (using the pedometer and activity diary) and text messages prompting participant to ‘text in’ their weekly step total at the end of the week (‘baseline’ steps).

1 week

First telephone call from educator (15 minutes)

• Educator prompts participant to set an action plan and personal short term and long term goals informed by the baseline steps, and asks participant about their confidence to achieve goals and previous levels of physical activity. Educator records this information on an online form which saves to a database for use in tailoring subsequent text-messages.

0-2 months

Text message contact (1–3 per week)

• Participant monitors activity (pedometer step counts) each week, using a pedometer, an activity diary and a converter to translate activities other than walking into steps.

• Participant receives text-messages asking them to ‘text in’ weekly step count total.

• Participant receives feedback by text-message tailored to goal achievement, confidence, and previous physical activity levels.

• Participants who do not make progress with goals receive ‘problem solving’ texts, asking them to text in barriers, followed by tailored replies.

2-6 months

Text message contact (one per week)

• Weekly tailored messages targeting attitudes and beliefs, motivation, self-efficacy and self-regulation of PA behaviours.

• Participant is asked to self-monitor and record steps for 1 week and text in weekly amount (ahead of 6 month telephone call)

6 months

Telephone contact; 15 minutes

• Educator gives feedback on goal progress, and reviews goals.

• Educator prompts problem solving in relation to barriers.

• Educator identifies and highlights benefits experienced.

• Educator discusses whether experiences of behaviour change are satisfying and reinforcing.

• Educator provides social support.

• Educator prompts continued goal setting and action planning.

7-12 months

Text message contact once per month

• Monthly tailored messages target attitudes and beliefs, motivation, self-efficacy and self-regulation of physical activity behaviours.

• Participant is asked to self-monitor and record steps for 1 week and text in weekly amount (ahead of 12 month group education session)

OPTIONAL

Telephone contact; 15 minutes

• Educators call participants who do not respond to text requests for step counts, to encourage participation and solve any problems.

12 months

Walking Away maintenance session; 2.5 hours

• See Walking Away group (Table 2).