About the Study
Introduction
You are invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether or not to accept this invitation, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read through the information carefully.
If you have any questions or require additional information you can contact Deborah Savin, the researcher carrying out the study, who will be happy to help. It’s also possible to discuss the study with a Cantonese speaker if you would prefer. Just let Deborah know.
You can download the Participant Information Sheet below and discuss it with friends and family, or chat it through with your GP or Health Practioner.
The study will assess the impact on fitness level and body composition of treadmill walking while carrying a 1kg hand-held weight in each hand compared with un-weighted treadmill walking during a 6-week exercise programme. The 6-week exercise programme will comprise three walks per week of no more than 30 minutes.
The aim of the study is to evaluate an alternative, safe, effective and comprehensive training programme for adults new or returning to exercise, or for those restricted to low impact exercise due to physical discomfort or following injury.
You must be between the ages of 21 and 45 years (inclusive). And if the answer is “no” to the following two questions, you could be eligible to take part:
- Are you currently undertaking regular exercise of any form?
- Have you undertaken regular exercise of any form in the last 3 months?
The next step will be to complete a Pre-Study Questionnaire, which is designed to ensure your taking part in the study is the right thing for you to do.
If you take part, you will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups.
The exercise programme you will be asked to complete is centred around treadmill walking. You will be asked to walk 3 times each week for 6 consecutive weeks, initially for 20 minutes each time but increasing to 30 minutes by Week 3.
To understand what impact the exercise programme is having on you, key measures will be taken at the start of the programme, at the end of Week 4 and at the end of Week 6.
The 6-week exercise programme
| Timeline | Day 0 | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Day 29/30 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Day 43/44 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise description | baseline key measures | 3 x 20min treadmill walking >5km/h at 0% incline | 3 x 25min treadmill walking >5km/h at 0% incline | 3 x 30min treadmill walking >5km/h at 0% incline | 3 x 30min treadmill walking >5km/h at 0% incline | 4-week key measures | 3 x 30min treadmill walking >5km/h at 0% incline | 3 x 30min treadmill walking >5km/h at 0% incline | 6-week key measures |
If you would like to take part in the study, please complete the following three steps:
- Download and read the Participant Information Sheet carefully, retaining a copy for your record.
- Download, complete and sign the Pre-Study Questionnaire and return by post or email to Deborah.
- Download, complete and sign the Consent Form and return by post or email to Deborah.
All three pre-study downloads are available in both English and Cantonese at the bottom of the page.
On receiving your completed and signed pre-study questionnaire and consent form, Deborah will contact you to set up your personal introductory session which will be Day 0 of your 6-week exercise programme.
Introductory session
This session will comprise:
- your random allocation to one of the two study groups
- detailed information on your personal 6-week exercise programme which will comprise three 30min walks per week
- introduction to the correct and safe use of a treadmill and, if relevant, the correct incorporation of two 1kg hand-held weights into this exercise
- introduction to the study website and how to record and view your performance
- the taking of baseline key measures