No significant changes in any other health outcomes were found in either group .
Conclusion A pedometer-based walking program , incorporating a physical activity consultation , is effective in promoting walking and improving positive affect over 12 weeks in community based individuals .
Background Recent systematic review s have suggested that pedometers may be effective motivational tools to promote walking .
However , studies tend to be of a relatively short duration , with small clinical based sample s. Further research is required to demonstrate their effectiveness in adequately powered , community based studies .
Objective Using a r and omized controlled trial design , this study assessed the impact of a 12-week graduated pedometer-based walking intervention on daily step-counts , self-reported physical activity and health outcomes in a Scottish community sample not meeting current physical activity recommendations .
Promoting walking with pedometers in the community: the step-by-step trial.
BACKGROUND Pedometers have been identified as a potential motivational aid for increasing physical activity , but their efficacy has not been demonstrated in a community-based , non clinical sample . DESIGN A r and omized controlled trial was conducted from August to December 2005 . Analysis was completed in June 2006 . SETTING / PARTICIPANTS Inactive adults aged 30 - 65 years ( n=369 ) recruited from the community . INTERVENTION Comparison of a theoretically based self-help walking program ( WP ) and weekly diaries ( sent by mail ) ; the same walking program with a pedometer ( WPP ) ( also by mail ) ; and a no-treatment control group ( C ) . MEASURES Change in self-reported leisure time in any sports/recreation in the last 3 months , and all- purpose walking ( APW ) for exercise , recreation , and travel , and other moderate , vigorous physical activity in the last week . Proportions meeting physical activity recommendations ( equal to or greater than 150 minutes and equal to or greater than five sessions/week(-1 ) ) were determined . RESULTS A 3-month follow-up interview was conducted with 314 ( 85 % ) participants . Intention-to-treat analyses indicated significance within-group increases of APW and leisure-time walking ( LTW ) , but mean and median sessions and minutes changes were greatest in the WPP group . There were no significant between-group differences in regular LTW ( walked equal to or greater than 5 sessions/week(-1 ) for at least 30 minutes/session ) , but the WPP group increased significantly participation in other sports/recreations and was more likely than the control group to meet physical activity recommendations by all leisure-time physical activity ( adjusted odds ratio=2.40 , 95 % CI=1.17 - 4.93 ) , by APW ( adjusted odds ratio=1.75 95 % CI=0.92 - 3.34 ) and all physical activity ( adjusted odds ratio=1.59 95 % CI=0.92 - 2.79 ) in the last week . CONCLUSIONS Pedometers enhanced the effects of the self-help walking program . This low-cost intervention should be tested for sustainability
No significant changes in any other health outcomes were found in either group .
Conclusion A pedometer-based walking program , incorporating a physical activity consultation , is effective in promoting walking and improving positive affect over 12 weeks in community based individuals .
Background Recent systematic review s have suggested that pedometers may be effective motivational tools to promote walking .
However , studies tend to be of a relatively short duration , with small clinical based sample s. Further research is required to demonstrate their effectiveness in adequately powered , community based studies .
Objective Using a r and omized controlled trial design , this study assessed the impact of a 12-week graduated pedometer-based walking intervention on daily step-counts , self-reported physical activity and health outcomes in a Scottish community sample not meeting current physical activity recommendations .