C25k survey by Leeds Metropolitan University

[greenlegs]

Apologies if this is repeat posting - I did do a quick search, but can't see anything about it yet on here. (Waves to anyone who remembers me from last year!)

Just had an email from the parkrun people, which includes a link to a questionnaire about c25k and impacts on health. There are one or two questions that might have been slightly better framed, as there's an assumption that everyone is using smartphone apps (e.g. "Does you smartphone use iOS or android?" - with nowhere to say "I don't have a smartphone, I used an iPod") but overall definitely a questionnaire worth completing for anyone who is currently doing, or has completed c25k (whichever podcasts/apps you use).

.....This is the info about the survey.....

Do Couch to 5k running apps work?

Researchers at Leeds Metropolitan University are looking into the effectiveness of the Couch to 5k running apps. They would like to offer parkrun participants the opportunity to complete a short online survey if they have:

- in the past used a Couch to 5k app

- are currently using a Couch to 5k app

- downloaded but not yet started using a Couch to 5k app

The survey will ask you about your experiences of using the app, the reasons why you chose to use an app as a running guide and some questions about any changes you may have made to your lifestyle since downloading the app.

Why are they doing this research?

Over recent years there has been a rise of mobile phone apps to track, motivate and guide users through physical activity. There is currently very little evidence exploring how well these apps actually work in helping users increase their fitness and activity levels. Study participants would therefore be part of the first study of its kind exploring the effectiveness of one of the most popular apps on the market.

It is anticipated that results from this study can help inform public health strategies for cost effective ways to encourage mass participation in physical activity. Gaining insight into what users think to the app and why they use it is crucial information for this to happen. The online survey takes around five minutes to complete and guides you through each stage.

If you would like to take part in this survey please follow this link. surveymonkey.com/s/C2-5K

You can also follow the research team on Facebook and Twitter.

[swanscot Graduate]

>" There are one or two questions that might have been slightly better framed, as there's an assumption that everyone is using smartphone apps (e.g. "Does you smartphone use iOS or android?" - with nowhere to say "I don't have a smartphone, I used an iPod") "

I twice wrote in the comments boxes that I used the podcasts on my mp3 player.

In another comment box, when asking about using C25K blogs or FB pages, I mentioned this Health Unlocked Forum.

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to swanscot]

I said lots about the benefits of Laura and this forum too.

[greenlegs Graduate]

Just to add - I checked, and it doesn't matter whether you used podcasts or smartphone apps, all responses are wanted and just as useful. Just miss out any questions that don't apply to you. The more responses they get, the better. So off you all go now! Even if you haven't yet started week 1 day 1, or if you completed a while ago and have lapsed a bit!

[AmberC Graduate]

I did the questionnaire also, but stated that I used the podcasts.

[notbad Graduate]

Hi Greenlegs *waves back* thanks for posting, someone did post it a while back but I'm sure many people will have missed it. I also used the podcast as it was years ago in my pre-smartphone days.

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to notbad]

Hi!

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

I've responded. Yes, some of the questions are a little ambiguous, but I'm happy to support it.

[misswobble Graduate]

I did it!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Completed it too. I don't think it matters how you got access to the program it's if the structure of learning how to run and running is a benefit to health that I read into the questions.