Experiences in nationwide recruiting for the "Allez Hop" Physical Activity Programme

The “Allez Hop” programme has offered local physical activity courses in Switzerland from 1996 to 2008. The recruitment of course participants always was a major concern. In addition and in support to local promotion activities, nationwide recruitment measures have had an important role. Four of those are presented. The 1998 mass media campaign used billboard posters, TV spots and a strong presence in the “Health Practice” TV show. The “Health Bet” in 2002 was presented in the “Health Practice” TV show and other media and used strong financial incentives. The “Health Test” in 2003 had a less spectacular and more factual approach. In 2004, spectacular and artistically appealing TV spots were produced and broadcast in all three linguistic regions of Switzerland. 1998 saw a massive increase in the number of “Allez Hop” courses. The number of participants in the “Health Bet” was very low, the one in the “Health Test” about 10 times higher. The direct reaction to the 2004 TV spots was very limited. Possible reasons for these developments are presented and discussed in view of the data available. In future population-wide recruitment efforts evaluation should be planned along with the interventions and carried out independently from commercial partners.