Research shows positive impact of ‘Couch to Fitness’ programme

Research conducted by Sheffield Hallam University has shown that the Couch to Fitness programme from Our Parks has a significant positive impact on users' Capability, Opportunity and Motivation to be more active.

It also found that Couch to Fitness users had benefited from significant positive changes in their activity levels, anxiety and self-efficacy.

The study utilised matched-pair analysis, comparing the experiences of Couch to Fitness users (n=72) with a control group (n=372) who had similar activity levels at baseline but did not access the programme.

Users and the control group were surveyed at baseline (October 2022) and follow up (Spring 2023). The headline findings from this study are as follows:

Research shows positive impact of ‘Couch to Fitness’ programme

It also found that Couch to Fitness users had benefited from significant positive changes in their activity levels, anxiety and self-efficacy.

Users and the control group were surveyed at baseline (October 2022) and follow up (Spring 2023). The headline findings from this study are as follows:

Positive impact on users’ Capability, Opportunity and Motivation to be active

The COM-B model identifies 3 factors that can impact a persons ability to change their behaviour : Capability (your ability and knowledge), Opportunity (the right circumstances), and Motivation (your desire and drive).

Couch to Fitness users had significant positive changes to the following questions

‘I am able to be physically active’ (Capability),
‘I have the opportunity to be active’ (Opportunity),
‘It is important for me to do exercise regularly’ (Motivation)

These changes were not evident for the non-users.

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COM B desktop

Positive increase in users' moderate intensity physical activity time

Whilst both users and non-users increased the amount of minutes spent doing moderate intensity activity (moderate activity is defined as activity where you raise your breathing rate, and vigorous activity is where you're out of breath or are sweating) from baseline to follow up.

Couch to Fitness users' increase was nearly twice as big as non-users.

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Positive impact on users’ mental wellbeing (Anxiety)

Respondents were asked ‘Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday? (0-10 scale).

At follow up Couch to Fitness users average scores had decreased from 4.63 to 4.08 (a significant change of -0.65) whilst the control group scores decreased from 3.63 to 3.59 (non-significant change of 0.04).

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Positive impact on users’ mental wellbeing (Self-efficacy)

Respondents were asked to rate to what extent they agreed with the statement ‘I can achieve most of the goals I set myself.

impact on self efficacy goals desktop

For more information on this research, please contact getfitnow@ourparks.org.uk

About Our Parks:

Our Parks are community fitness organisation who are making high quality coached physical activity accessible for all through delivering free programmes in parks, online and in community and school settings.

About Sheffield Hallam University:

Sheffield Hallam University is a renowned institution committed to delivering innovative and impactful research across various fields. This study demonstrates the university's dedication to advancing knowledge and improving the well-being of individuals through insightful research.