The Impact of Calculated Ambulation on Health Promotion

Abstract: A study to assess the impact of calculated ambulation on health promotion was conducted over a five-month period at a southern university. The study, which initially included approximately forty-three healthcare management students, was based on a similar study conducted at a larger university in South Carolina. The study at the larger university showed a connection between the number of steps one took and one's health/fitness status. With a 10,000 steps a day intervention / walking plan, pre-and post-tests on weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels were conducted with the assistance of the local County Health Department. Individualized longitudinal case profiles were then presented, with an overview of program benefits; the role of support persons and the examination of the individual responsibility for health concept. Keywords: Healthy Walking, Ambulation and Health, Health Promotion, Exercise and Health. The value of taking steps has been known since the existence of mankind. In July 1969, Astronaut Neil Armstrong took a step into a new frontier (the Moon) and declared "that's one small step for man and one giant step for mankind." While taking steps or walking is an integral part of normal human mobility, the frequency of steps taken by man is decreasing dramatically. Reasons for the decrease relate to industrialization and modernization e.g., online shopping, drive-thrus, and remote controls. Decreased steps have been translated into increased health problems. Some scientists have calculated that fewer daily steps add up to an extra pound a week (Yeager, 2003). It is well known that most ill health is preventable with lifestyle changes or the incorporation of the physical activity frontier which includes increasing daily steps / walking (Williams & Knight, 1995). Robotham (2004) reported that a simple way to good health is to walk 10,000 steps each day. Some benefits of walking include reduced risk of heart disease, Type II (Adult-Onset) Diabetes, elevated cholesterol, moodiness and depression (Walking to Health, 2003/2004). Results from the 10,000 step-a-day plan have been noted as early as one month. GOALS The specific goals of the project / proposal were: 1. To promote student health and wellness using a 10,000 steps a day health challenge. 2. To integrate technology into the classroom using EBuddies (Internet - E-mail) as a support group. 3. To actively reinforce the individual responsibility for health (health promotion) concept into the health care management curriculum. 4. To encourage students to continue the 10,000 steps a day walking plan after the conclusion of the project. RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following research questions were examined in this study: 1. To what extent will a 10,000 step a day health plan improve the health of students (individually and collectively) on selected indices (weight, blood pressure, cholesterol)? 2. Will adherence to the ?-buddies internet / technological support systemguidelines (weekly contact) improve the students' adherence /completion rate? 3. Will the examination of health results from active participation in 10,000 steps a day health challenge positively reinforce the individual responsibility for health concept (health promotion)? 4. Will students be willing to continue the 10,000 steps a day program on their own following the conclusion of the health challenge? HYPOTHESIS The following hypotheses were proposed in this study: 1. Individual and group health improvements will vary in relation to the students' adherence to the 10,000 steps a day health challenge. 2. Students who utilize the ?-buddy system at least once a week will be more likely to adhere to program guidelines and successfully complete the program. (Modified to include one-to-one contact with support persons.) 3. Examination of health results from the active participation in the 10,000 steps-a-day health challenge will positively reinforce the individual responsibility for health concept. …