MRC Epidemiology Unit
The Fenland Measurement Reactivity trial is a sub-study of the Fenland study, and was set up to ascertain the level of validity of the conclusions drawn from studies of physical activity by estimating the size of any reactivity effect (i.e. the degree to which participants change their behaviour) believed to occur when study participants are asked to wear devices such as accelerometers or heart rate monitors.
The effect of self-monitoring of physical activity using pedometers has previously been well described. Even if devices do not provide feedback, it is possible that they may act as a prompt and hence be ‘reactive’ i.e. individuals may increase their activity while wearing them. Five hundred healthy Fenland study participants were randomised to two groups receiving different levels of information concerning the function and purpose of the Actiheart device.
Status
Data collection complete, analysis in progress.
Unit Role
Unit led with responsibility for data.
Funding
Unit core MRC funding with additional support from the NIHR School of Primary Care Research via the University of Cambridge Primary Care Unit.
Publications
Data sharing
We welcome proposals for projects and aim to make data as widely available as possible whilst safeguarding the privacy of our participants, protecting confidential data and maintaining the reputations of our studies and participants. Please see our Data Sharing pages for more information.