No significant changes in any other health outcomes were found in either group .
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 .
Controlled outcome evaluation of the First Step Program: a daily physical activity intervention for individuals with type II diabetes
OBJECTIVE : To conduct a r and omised trial of a physical activity ( PA ) intervention , The First Step Program ( FSP ) for adults with type II diabetes . DESIGN : A 16-week intervention study and 24-week follow-up assessment . PARTICIPANTS : A total of 47 overweight/obese , sedentary individuals ( age=52.7±5.2 y ; BMI = 33.3±5.6 kg/m2 ) recruited through a diabetes education centre . MEASUREMENTS : Primary outcome :  daily PA assessed by pedometer ( steps/day ) . Secondary outcomes : anthropometric measures ( weight , BMI , waist girth , hip girth ) ; indicators of cardiovascular health ( resting heart rate and blood pressure ) ; glycemic control ( fasting glucose , insulin , HbA1c , glucose concentration 120 min postglucose load ) ; plasma lipid status ( total cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , LDL cholesterol , and triglycerides ) . RESULTS : Relative to the CONTROL group , FSP participants increased  their PA > 3000 steps/day ( approximately 30 min/day ) during the intervention ( P<0.0001 ) . Waist and hip girth decreased ( approximately 2–3 cm ) , but did not differ significantly between groups . Significant changes did not emerge for any of the other variables . CONCLUSIONS : The FSP is a practical intervention that elicits an immediate and profound change in walking behaviour . Such change is an important ‘ first step ’ towards increasing the volume and /or intensity of PA necessary to improve long-term health outcomes in this largely sedentary and overweight or obese population . Relapse by 24 weeks indicates that other strategies such as booster sessions are needed to maintain lifestyle change . Further research must determine realistic and responsive health outcomes for this population that are achievable through practical , real-world programming
No significant changes in any other health outcomes were found in either group .
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 .