Table 1 Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) Checklist for REACH Participant Program

A feasibility study to test factors related to participant perceptions and program delivery. REACH, a lifestyle intervention, aims to address sedentary and inactive lifestyles which may lead to health concerns and a reduction in quality and length of life. REACH addresses activity levels throughout the day, by applying behavior change theory and techniques to reduce sitting, increase physical activity, and incorporate strength and balance activities into life routines.

One instructor (exercise physiologist) led the sessions with the help of one research assistant. They received a REACH manual and slides for each session

Procedures

Recruitment: Email, online posting, and previous study participants who expressed interest

Screening: Research assistants conducted preliminary screening and obtained consent. The REACH instructor screened participants the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+; some participants needed to obtain written permission from their family physician before participating in the study) and the Life Assessment Tool (LAT).

We delivered the REACH program in 6 sessions (1–2 h each), following the REACH manual. Sessions breakdown: review of previous session, introduction to new session, group discussion and activities, new exercise and home practice activity explained (stretch and activity breaks throughout), optional group-based walk (10–30 min). At the last session, participants had the opportunity to write themselves a letter about their physical activity goals.

See Table 2 for a detailed description of BCTs used within REACH.

One of two trained research assistant administered and collected the following assessments:

 • Every session: feedback forms and physical activity tracking sheets

 • Baseline, midpoint, final, and 6-month follow-up: semi-structured interviews (in-person or via telephone)

 • Baseline, final, and 6-month follow-up: Short Grit Scale effort subscale, Self-Report Physical Activity Identity Scale, Habit Strength for sedentary behavior, physical activity, and balance and strength exercises

 • Baseline and final: Timed Up and Go (TUG)

 • Final: PEMAT-P (Patient Educational Materials Assessment–Print Materials)

Delivery

One exercise physiologist (with 18 years of experience) led the sessions with the help of one trained research assistant.

The program was delivered face-to-face in a group of 8 to 10 participants.

The program took place in a multipurpose exercise room at a research center.

REACH occurred over 6 weeks: one session/week (1–2 h) and optional walking sessions (10–30 min). Weekly content included:

 • Session 1—introduction to the program

 • Session 2—making a change

 • Session 3—from action to habit

 • Session 4—making exercise EASY

 • Session 5—active transportation

 • Session 6—taking your habits home

When participants could not attend the regularly scheduled sessions, if possible, we provided a one-to-one session with the instructor either before or after the regularly scheduled session. The intervention occurred between 5 and 7 PM on a weekday to accommodate participants’ work schedules.

Originally, there were two sessions per week: one REACH session and one optional walking session. However, due to feedback from participants and low attendance for the optional walking sessions, we decided to add the optional walking session after the REACH session (i.e., all activities on 1 day).

Adherence

The research assistant recorded participants’ attendance at each session.

We asked participants to write down and submit their physical activity data.

Optional adherence tools (not collected): we did not collect the home practice activities to measure adherence or weekly checklist; however, we did talk about the activities within the sessions.