Participant engagement with the WWE-UK programme
HOLIDAYS
Nine participants withdrew from the study (6%; six instructor-led; one self-directed; two usual care) within the first 6-weeks. Personal reasons, not related to the programme content included: poor health/illness, other commitments, change in circumstances and bereavement. Total follow-up/participation rate in physical performance assessment and questionnaire was 79% at 6-weeks (80% WWE programme; 77% usual care) and 73% for the questionnaire at 18-weeks (76% WWE programme; 67% usual care).Across the five walking groups, participants attended on average 11.5 of the 18 total walks (63%). Once people had been recruited to the study there was a personal commitment to walk regularly and complete the programme. This was particularly the case for those participating in the group walk, for example
Interestingly, participants’ medical condition(s) did not appear to be a barrier to engaging with the programme and associated activities, rather participants noted other challenges and barriers such as lack of time, childcare, summer holidays and appointments.