Table 1 Intervention description using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist [25]

1. Brief name

Active Women over 50 physical activity education and promotion intervention

2. Why

Uptake of physical activity is sub-optimal in working women in their middle age. Women over 50 years have unique barriers to becoming more active (eg. higher sedentary time, greater carer responsibilities, work demands).

3. What materials

The education program has been designed for women over the age of 50 using the Behaviour Change Wheel framework and COM-B system model of behaviour change [20] to facilitate and sustain behavioural change. Information will be presented via a Powerpoint slideshow outlining the evidence on benefits of physical activity, overcoming barriers to physical activity, physical activity options available to university and health service staff, getting started and maintaining activity. Video case-study interviews of four female staff members aged over 50 years who have overcome barriers to increase their physical activity will be shown to inspire participants. Participants will receive a printed handbook containing physical activity resources such as internet-based information and programs, local physical activity programs and facilities, suggestions of the numerous free applications for smartphone devices, and a guide to starting physical activity. Participants will also receive a pre-exercise screening tool and exercise intensity guidelines [28]; will be offered the use of a pedometer or internet-connected activity tracker (Fitbit) for the duration of the study, to provide motivation and feedback to increase activity levels; will have access to 1) an online discussion group with other participants to share ideas and for motivation, 2) fortnightly emails reinforcing the workshop content and supporting participants to increase their physical activity, 3) a free trial class at the Sydney University Sports Facility, and 4) all the information session materials (slides, video case study interviews, University sports facility brochures) via an email link. The internet-based information resources will include the Get Healthy website produced by the NSW Ministry of Health [29] (www.gethealthynsw.com.au), Make Healthy Normal website produced by the NSW Ministry of Health (www.makehealthynormal.com.au); internet-based program resources may include the Active and Healthy website [30], parkrun website promoting free, weekly community walk/runs [31].

4. What procedures

An information session will be used to provide education and support to participants to increase their physical activity through university and health service on-campus and local opportunities. Participants will have the option to loan a Fitbit activity tracker for the duration of the study, and/or receive follow up fortnightly emails, and/or access to an online discussion group Yammer. All participants will be emailed a link to access the presentation materials, and will have email access to the research team for any further enquiries.

5. Who provided

Research team members with expertise in the field of physical activity research and practice will provide and deliver the information session and facilitate discussion. A University sports facility staff member will outline their available programs at the information session.

6. How

Information sessions will be face-to-face in a group setting of up to 20 people at a time. A video conferencing facility will be offered to participants who are not able to physically attend the session location but will allow them to be able to interact with the group. Information sessions will also be offered via a pre-recorded internet link for participants who are not able to attend the sessions in person, and will have the opportunity to ask any questions to the research team via email or telephone.

7. Where

The information sessions will be held at the workplace at two university campus sites and at one hospital site in Sydney, in a meeting room with data projection and video-conferencing facilities. Remote access will be through a video conferencing facility or through a pre-recorded online link of the webinar.

8. When and how much

The intervention will be one, 1-h information session scheduled during lunch time (12-1 pm). Those attending via the online link will attend at a time of their convenience. Follow up support emails will be sent fortnightly to participants who elect to receive these. There will be no cost.

9. Tailoring

All participants will receive the same information session content and access to the same internet-based resources. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the session or via email or telephone support following it. Participants will be advised to seek individual advice from a health professional if they are concerned about commencing physical activity or have an injury.