Nigel Curry undertook this research with Colleagues in the Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Care at the University of Gloucestershire and with researchers at the University of Staffordshire. It evaluated a Rural Activity Care Pathway, which was piloted in South Staffordshire.
The Activity Care Pathway, which aims to increase physical activity levels in the adult population, has already been developed in London linking to other care pathways already in existence. It was recognised however that the challenges of implementing the pathway in urban and rural areas are different and this research examined the rural pilot of the pathway in the West Midlands.
The research identified some successes to the take up of exercise amongst, particularly sedentary, adults but there were some barriers to participation in terms of the organisation of the scheme, the constraints on taking exercise on the part of some people and the lack of motivation to exercise amongst others.
The research developed recommendations of best practice to enable rural Primary Care Trusts (PCT) and their partners to develop the necessary infrastructure and capacity to roll out the pathway effectively.
This Rural Activity Care Pathway research was commissioned by PAN-WM, The Department of Health West Midlands, Sport England West Midlands and Natural England. The research took place between January 2010 and July 2010.
