Physical activity interventions and changes in perceived home and facility environments.

Objective: To examine changes in environmental perceptions over time and associations between changes in perceptions and physical activity among participants in two physical activity interventions.

Methods: Two independent trials were examined. Project STRIDE (STRIDE) (N=239) was conducted from 2000 to 2004 in Rhode Island. Step into Motion (SIM) (N=249) was conducted from 2003 to 2006 in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. Both trials tested various delivery channels for providing individually tailored motivational materials to increase physical activity among sedentary adults. Neither intervention aimed to change perceptions of the environment. At baseline, 6, and 12 months, surveys assessed physical activity and perceived facility and home equipment availability.

Results: In both trials, perceived facility availability increased from baseline to 6 months. Significant increases continued from 6 to 12 months in SIM only. Increases were not significantly different by treatment group. Perceived home equipment availability also increased from baseline to 6 months in both trials and from 6 to 12 months in SIM only. In STRIDE, greater increases were observed for intervention compared to control participants. Increased facility and home equipment availability were associated with increased minutes of physical activity in both trials.

Conclusions: Perceived facility and home equipment availability improved during participation in two individual-level physical activity interventions.