Snacktivity™ to promote physical activity: A qualitative study

Natalie Tyldesley-Marshall, Sheila M. Greenfield, Helen M. Parretti, Kajal Gokal, Colin Greaves, Kate Jolly, Ralph Maddison, Amanda J. Daley, Snacktivity™ Study Team

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract / Description of output

Background
Adults should achieve a minimum of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity per week, but many people do not achieve this. Changes to international guidance have removed the requirement to complete physical activity in bouts of at least 10 min. Snacktivity is a novel and complementary approach that could motivate people to be physically active. It focuses on promoting shorter (2–5 min) and more frequent bouts, or ‘snacks’ of physical activity throughout the day. It is not known whether promoting physical activity in shorter bouts is acceptable to the public, or whether it likely to translate into health behaviour change.

Methods
As part of a larger research programme, this study explored the merits of using small bouts of physical activity to help the public become physically active (the Snacktivity™ programme). Thirty-one inactive adults used the approach for five days then participated in semi- structured interviews about their experiences. The data were analysed using the Framework approach.

Results
Whilst participants highlighted some potential barriers to implementation, they expressed the ease with which Snacktivity could be achieved, which gave them a new awareness of opportunities to do more physical activity throughout the day. Participants raised the importance of habit formation to achieve regular small bouts of physical activity.

Conclusions
Findings demonstrated that participants liked the Snacktivity concept and viewed it as a motivating approach. Guidance about physical activity must lead to advice that has the best chance of preserving and promoting health and Snacktivity has potential to meet this ambition.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages12
JournalInternational journal of behavioral medicine
Early online date15 Nov 2021
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 15 Nov 2021

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Snacktivity™
  • small bouts
  • physical activity
  • qualitative research
  • interviews

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Snacktivity™ to promote physical activity: A qualitative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this