The effect of motivational interviewing on physical activity levels.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of a brief intervention based on the principles of motivational interviewing to increase physical activity amongst adolescents attending an Integrated Sexual Health Service clinic.
IRAS ID
123431
Contact name
Simon Till
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
The purpose of the study is to see whether a brief intervention based on the principles of motivational interviewing, in an unselected group of young adults attending a routine Integrated Sexual Health Service (ISHS) clinic, increases physical activity levels. There are Department of Health guidelines on recommended targets for the minimum amount of activity individuals should be undertaking to maintain health and increasing activity levels and tackling obesity is a government priority. The reason for having a pilot study is to test the study design before putting in a bid for a larger scale study. We want to look at the proportion of the population who are willing to be randomised and of those randomised we want to see what proportion are retained until completion of the study.
The proposed pilot study is a randomised control study, with a sample of participants selected from the clinic. All patients attending the clinic, aged 16-24, will be asked if they would like to participate in the study. Once they have consented participants will be randomly allocated to 1 of 4 study groups. They have either a brief intenvention with a doctor or no interview. Current physical activity levels will be checked using an initial paper-based questionnaire. Participants in groups 1 and 2 will be given free access to facilities at Sheffield International Venues (SIV) for a 6 month period as well as a leaflet detailing the benefits of exercise. Participants in Groups 3 and 4 will not receive free access to SIV but will receive an exercise leaflet. Facilities will be accessed using an individual SIV membership card, which has the capacity to monitor attendance at the venues. After the initial 6 month period of free membership, participants will be sent a repeat questionnaire to assess their current level of physical activity.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
15/WA/0084
Date of REC Opinion
2 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion