Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .
Increasing older adults’ walking through primary care: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial
Background . Physical activity can positively influence health for older adults . Primary care is a good setting for physical activity promotion . Objective . To assess the feasibility of a pedometer-based walking programme in combination with physical activity consultations . Methods . Design : Two-arm ( intervention/control ) 12-week r and omized controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up for the intervention group . Setting : One general practice in Glasgow , UK . Participants : Participants were aged ≥65 years . The intervention group received two 30-minute physical activity consultations from a trained practice nurse , a pedometer and a walking programme . The control group continued as normal for 12 weeks and then received the intervention . Both groups were followed up at 12 and 24 weeks . Outcome measures : Step counts were measured by sealed pedometers and an activPALTM monitor . Psychosocial variables were assessed and focus groups conducted . Results . The response rate was 66 % ( 187/284 ) , and 90 % of those r and omized ( 37/41 ) completed the study . Qualitative data suggested that the pedometer and nurse were helpful to the intervention . Step counts ( activPAL ) showed a significant increase from baseline to week 12 for the intervention group , while the control group showed no change . Between weeks 12 and 24 , step counts were maintained in the intervention group , and increased for the control group after receiving the intervention . The intervention was associated with improved quality of life and reduced sedentary time . Conclusions . It is feasible to recruit and retain older adults from primary care and help them increase walking . A larger trial is necessary to confirm findings and consider cost-effectiveness
Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .