Physical Activity Wearables in the Police Force: The PAW-Force Trial

Summary

Policing is an increasingly sedentary occupation and high levels of physical and psychological morbidities are reported by officers and staff. Wearable fitness technology may be a feasible intervention to promote physical activity and improve health.

This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of introducing wearable fitness technology (Fitbit™ activity monitors linked to the 'Bupa Boost' smartphone app) as a motivator for increasing physical activity within the police force. Additional aims are to and to assess the potential impact of the intervention on physical activity, sedentary time, health and wellbeing, stress, sickness absence and self-perceived productivity, and to explore which motivational strategies (e.g. individual goal-setting vs. social competitions) are most acceptable and potentially effective and for which groups of staff.

A single-group, before and after, mixed methods exploratory trial will be conducted. Approximately 180 police officers and staff from two sites (Plymouth Basic Command Unit and North Dorset) will be recruited to take part. Participants will use the technology for 12 weeks initially followed by a further five months of optional use. A combination of questionnaire surveys, interviews and analysis of staff absence records will be used.

Data will be collected pre-intervention, mid-intervention (6 weeks), post-intervention (12 weeks) and follow-up (8 months). Primary outcomes are change in objectively recorded step count, self-reported physical activity and sedentary time. Secondary outcomes include general health and wellbeing, perceived stress and productivity, sickness absence, engagement with the intervention and perceived usability and usefulness.

This study will add to our understanding of the feasibility and acceptability of mobile fitness technology in a specific workplace setting, and inform a potential larger trial within the police force.

Conditions

• Physical Activity
• Health Behavior

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Fitbit and Bupa Boost app

Fitbit Charge 2™ wearable physical activity monitor and Bupa Boost health and wellbeing smartphone app. 12 weeks initial use (individual goal-setting in weeks 1-6 then social features of the app in weeks 7-12) followed by a further five months of optional use (as desired by the participant).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Devon and Cornwall Police

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Dorset Police

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Exeter

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Sarah A Buckingham, ResM · University of Exeter

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2017-04-19

Primary Completion

2018-03-28

Completion

2018-04-20

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations