might play an active role in but 2 studies). All the studies promoting physical activity in a were subject to systematic error, military setting. including selection bias and No conclusions can be reached measurement bias. about the effectiveness of using Overall, the studies did not the environment as a point of present any power calculations so active or sedentary choice (eg it is difficult to determine if their using stairs not the lift) with response rates were adequate to written media (eg stair posters, answer the study questions. Most riser banners on steps). studies relied on self reported A variety of printed media in physical activity as their outcome commercial, workplace and and many did not report the transport settings can validity and reliability of the increase use of stairs, but method used. Few studies changes diminish over time. reported the potential modification The efficacy of a stair of effects by gender or intervention varied within the and socio-cultural study populations, with factors. The recruitment and different effects seen for selection of participants to the different groups based on age, studies limits the applicability of sex, observed body mass index these interventions to a UK and ethnicity. These effects context. The study participants were not consistent across the were generally well educated and studies. white. Environment as a prompt Nineteen studies reported the results of using written media (eg posters, riser banners) to prompt stair use rather than escalators or lifts. A number of methodological limitations were present in the studies, such as a lack of comparator.
might play an active role in promoting physical activity in a military setting. No conclusions can be reached about the effectiveness of using the environment as a point of active or sedentary choice (eg using stairs not the lift) with written media (eg stair posters, riser banners on steps). A variety of printed media in commercial, workplace and transport settings can increase use of stairs, but changes diminish over time. The efficacy of a stair intervention varied within the study populations, with different effects seen for different groups based on age, sex, observed body mass index and ethnicity. These effects were not consistent across the studies. but 2 studies). All the studies were subject to systematic error, including selection bias and measurement bias. Overall, the studies did not present any power calculations so it is difficult to determine if their response rates were adequate to answer the study questions. Most studies relied on self reported physical activity as their outcome and many did not report the validity and reliability of the method used. Few studies reported the potential modification of effects by gender or and socio-cultural factors. The recruitment and selection of participants to the studies limits the applicability of these interventions to a UK context. The study participants were generally well educated and white. Environment as a prompt Nineteen studies reported the results of using written media (eg posters, riser banners) to prompt stair use rather than escalators or lifts. A number of methodological limitations were present in the studies, such as a lack of comparator.
Physical%20activity%20Evidence%20Review%20Final.docx