A semiautomated web-based approach for routine evaluation of physical activity courses

Routine course evaluation within the nationwide physical activity promotion programme Allez Hop was introduced to monitor and optimise the programme. A semiautomated web-based system was developed to collect, store, analyse and disseminate data.
The system was pilot-tested in the canton of Aargau in 2006 with strong encouragement of course instructors to participate in the evaluation. It was also openly available to Allez Hop instructors from mid-2007 until the end of 2008 with no specific measures to encourage participation. Feasibility was good in both settings. 65% of courses participated during the pilot phase and 1% of courses during the open phase, indicating that encouragement of course instructors is needed to increase participation in the evaluation.