Table 2 Behavior strategies for individual participants

Goal setting

2000 daily step increase over baseline levels, achieved through individual walking & group walks

Feedback

Graphs of daily steps over time. Review of progress & verbal positive reinforcement from peer health coaches bi-weekly.

Rewards/Recognition

Monthly group celebrations and individual recognition

Social support

Peer health coach & staff encouragement. Group walks at appropriate levels and other group activities/events led by peer health coaches. Group sharing of challenges/solutions.

Role models/success stories

Peer health coaches model step goals. Participants hear about others who meet goals/overcome challenges during group sharing.

Positive experience

Fun events & supportive atmosphere in center. Well organized walks with different abilities accounted for. SMART goals that are challenging but achievable. Clear short and long term goals i.e. 100/day extra each week to meet 2000/day step increase as a long term goal.

Cues/reminders

Phone calls or e-mails from peer health coaches to remind participant to attend center events, in person check ins & logs for steps. Promotional materials in center.

Planning/scheduling

Planning attendance at events, reviewing steps across day with pedometer, planning when to get steps.

Problem solving

Work on overcoming barriers with peer health coaches. Learn how others overcome barriers. Reduction of environmental barriers e.g. crossing times, lack of equipment through community projects led by peer health coaches.

Relapse prevention

100 step goal schedule for returning to normal after illness. Set goals for how to maintain step increases. Continued monitoring from pedometer and peer health coaches.