The association of golf participation with health and wellbeing:a comparative study

Golf participation is comprised of activities likely to be beneficial to a golfer’s health and wellbeing, including regular walking and social interactions. This study aimed to use a questionnaire to compare physical activity, social trust and personal wellbeing of golfers with National statistics. Furthermore, the study aimed to measure the association between golfers’ physical activity levels and self-efficacy for both golf and general exercise participation. Results demonstrated that golfers reported significantly different physical activity levels in comparison to the population of England. Golfers scored significantly higher on social trust and personal wellbeing compared to the population of the UK and England respectively. Golf and exercise self-efficacy were significantly associated with physical activity. The findings of the study demonstrate that, despite golfers having relatively lower levels of physical activity, golf participation is associated with psychological wellbeing. Coaches, golfers and others promoting golf participation may benefit from the results of this study due to an increased awareness of the possible benefits of golf participation

Moving at scale: Promising practice and practical guidance on evaluation of physical activity programmes in the UK

Paper presented at the 7th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress, 15th-17th October 2018, London, England.Purpose: To develop effective physical activity (PA) frameworks policy makers require an understanding of which interventions increase PA at population level. This investigation identified PA interventions in the UK; considered key challenges in evaluating interventions; and provided guidance to inform and support effective evaluation. It followed from a 2014 investigation that identified and benchmarked PA interventions in England. Methods: An open call for examples of good and promising practice was made to organisations, groups, and individuals delivering PA interventions in the UK. Participants completed a questionnaire based upon elements of the Standard Evaluation Framework for Physical Activity Programmes. Nesta Standards of Evidence were interpreted and used to score projects and programmes based on an assessment of the evaluation method used. Results: A total of 302 completed submissions were assessed; 17 interventions used a control or comparison group; 12 were evaluated by an external evaluator; 55% of interventions collected pre/post measures; 22% engaged between 1,000 and 5,000 participants with 8% including >25,000 participants; 27% had been on-going for 2-5 years; 55% were delivered in a local authority leisure facility; 40% received funding from local authorities and 32% from private funders. Conclusions: The quality of monitoring, data collection, and evaluation processes embedded into programme delivery has improved since the 2014 review, which is encouraging. Non-inclusion of control or comparison groups (although not always appropriate) remains a barrier in demonstrating the causal impact of programmes. Few studies reported independent evaluation. Inadequate or incomplete submissions also impacted assessment.Published versio