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 .
The 'Walking for Wellbeing in the West' randomised controlled trial of a pedometer-based walking programme in combination with physical activity consultation with 12 month follow-up: rationale and study design
Background Scotl and has a policy aim ed at increasing physical activity levels in the population , but evidence on how to achieve this is still developing . Studies that focus on encouraging real world participants to start physical activity in their setting s are needed . The Walking for Well-being in the West study was design ed to assess the effectiveness of a pedometer-based walking programme in combination with physical activity consultation . The study was multi-disciplinary and based in the community . Walking for Well-being in the West investigated whether Scottish men and women , who were not achieving the current physical activity recommendation , increased and maintained walking behaviour over a 12 month period . This paper outlines the rationale and design of this innovative and pragmatic study . Methods Participants were r and omised into two groups : Group 1 : Intervention ( pedometer-based walking programme combined with a series of physical activity consultations ) ; Group 2 : Waiting list control for 12 weeks ( followed by minimal pedometer-based intervention ) . Physical activity ( primary outcome ) was measured using  pedometer step counts ( 7 day ) and the International Physical Activity Question naire ( long version ) . Psychological processes were measured using question naires relating to the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change , mood ( Positive and Negative Affect Schedule ) and quality of life ( Euroqol EQ-5D instrument ) . Physiological measures included anthropometric and metabolic outcomes . Environmental influences were assessed subjectively ( Neighbourhood Quality of Life Survey ) and objective ly ( neighbourhood audit tool and GIS mapping ) . The qualitative evaluation employed observation , semi-structured interviews and focus groups . A supplementary study undertook an economic evaluation . Discussion Data analysis is on-going . Walking for Well-being in the West will demonstrate if a pedometer based walking programme , in combination with physical activity consultation results in a sustainable increase in walking behaviour in this sample of Scottish adults over a 12 month period . The study will examine the complex relationships between behavioural change , health consequences and the role of the environment , in conjunction with the cost effectiveness of this approach and a detailed insight into the participants ' experiences of the intervention . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT
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 .