Aim of the research and importance:

Encouraging inactive members of the public to walk is an important part of increasing population physical activity levels. It can be challenging to motivate inactive individuals to adhere to nature based interventions that promote physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a 12-week outdoor based group walking intervention incorporating activity trackers (accelerometers). The intervention used a holistic health and wellbeing measure: the Self-Assessment of Change scale.

Main findings:

Thirteen adults (aged 63-81 years, 76% female) took part in the intervention. This feasibility study found that activity trackers motivated participants to join and encouraged physical activity, but also complicated intervention delivery. By week 12 of the intervention, activity trackers showed that all participants were meeting national physical activity guidelines. Clinically relevant changes in health and wellbeing (measured by the Self-Assessment of Change scale) included: sleeping well, experiencing vibrant senses, feeling energised, focused, joyful, calm and whole.

Implication of findings:

The use of activity trackers in group outdoor health walks has potential to motivate individuals to sign up and adhere to the intervention. The Self-Assessment of Change scale is a promising measure for outdoor physical activity interventions and other nature-health research.

How to cite:

Irvine, K.N.; Marselle, M.R.; Melrose, A.; Warber, S.L. Group Outdoor Health Walks Using Activity Trackers: Measurement and Implementation Insight from a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 2515.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

A commonly used approach to improve physical activity levels in particular population subgroups are outdoor walking groups. These walking groups are often promoted as an accessible and inclusive way to be physically active. However, emerging work has highlighted participation biases based on various demographic variables such as gender, socioeconomic status and age. This study therefore aimed to investigate the impact of outdoor walking groups on physical activity inequities

Main findings:

This review found that across 62 publications there was some evidence of targeted intervention trials. They found that large scale national programmes were tailored to regional activity and health needs. However, they found the following: participation was more likely among white, socioeconomically advantaged, female, middle-older aged, able-bodied adults.

Implication of findings:

Currently, participation in outdoor walking groups is more prevalent among advantaged population sub-groups. It is important that future research into outdoor walking groups addresses these issues. The authors of this study suggest focusing on social determinants of engagement in future interventions.

How to cite:

Rigby, B.P., Dodd-Reynolds, C.J. & Oliver, E.J. Inequities and inequalities in outdoor walking groups: a scoping review. Public Health Rev 41, 4 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40985-020-00119-4

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

More and more people are using smartphone apps to monitor their physical activity behaviour, often recorded in steps. One such app is the Assistant to Lift your Level of activitY (Ally) app. This app combines financial incentive with chatbot guided interventions to encourage its users to reach their own personal daily step goals. This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of incentives, weekly planning, and daily self-monitoring prompts that were used as part of the Ally app.

Main findings:

Daily cash incentives increased step goal achievement by 8.1%. Only in the no-incentive control group, action planning increase step-goal achievement by 5.8%. Charity incentives, self-monitoring prompts and coping planning did not affect step count achievements significantly. Engagement with planning interventions and self-monitoring prompts was low – 30% of the users stopped using the app over the course of the 8 week study.

Implication of findings:

Daily cash incentives increased physical activity in the short term. It is important to further research planning interventions and self-monitoring prompts so they can be used more effectively in apps in the future. Engagement can be an important challenge for PA apps.

How to cite:

Jan-Niklas Kramer, MSc, Florian Künzler, MSc, Varun Mishra, BTech, Shawna N Smith, PhD, David Kotz, PhD, Urte Scholz, PhD, Elgar Fleisch, PhD, Tobias Kowatsch, PhD, Which Components of a Smartphone Walking App Help Users to Reach Personalized Step Goals? Results From an Optimization Trial, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, , kaaa002, https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaaa002

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

In the literature around walking in older adults, the focus tends to either be on recreational walking only or total physical activity. It is rare for studies to focus on active travel in older adults. The possibility that active travel and recreational walking in older adults may be linked as not been researched. That gap is what this study aimed to address.

Main findings:

Using data from 725 older adults, this study found that commonly used variables such as self-efficacy, motivation, and physical ability do not have a significant direct effect on active travel in older adults, but they do on recreational walking.

Implication of findings:

The same things that help promote recreational walking may not help promote walking active travel in older adults.

How to cite:

Deka, D & Brown, C. 2020. Does the pathway to transportation walking for older adults run through recreational walking? Travel Behaviour and Society, 20(1);51-61.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Humans have always been drawn to nature as a way to relax and find escape from the stresses in every day life. The effects of walking in nature in real-life situations have not been studied. This study aimed to compare effects of nature on mood and psychophysiological stress responses, and to separate the effects of recreational nature exposure from effects from exercise (namely walking) by comparing walking in nature, a video of nature scenes and walking on treadmill in gym. The participants attended experiment twice (in exam period and no exam period) to examine potential stress-buffering effects of nature.

Main findings:

All interventions had restorative effects on cortisol (stress hormone) levels. However, walking in nature resulted in lower cortisol levels than nature viewing during exam period. Walking in nature improved mood more than watching nature scenes or physical exercise alone.

Implication of findings:

Walking outdoors improves mood more than being physically active indoors or from simply observing nature. In stressful life circumstances, walking in nature may be more effective at reducing levels of cortisol than being active indoors or looking at nature (not walking).

How to cite:

Olafsdottir, G., Cloke, P., Schulz, A., van Dyck, Z., Eysteinsson, T., Thorleifsdottir, B., & Vögele, C. (2020). Health Benefits of Walking in Nature: A Randomized Controlled Study Under Conditions of Real-Life Stress. Environment and Behavior, 52(3), 248–274. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916518800798

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

In children with cerebral palsy, walking is a key target in physiotherapy. However, there is a lack of research and information on the importance and value of walking when children grow up and reach adulthood. The aim of this qualitative study was therefore to explore person reflections of daily walking in adults with cerebral palsy.

Main findings:

Semi structured interviews were conducted with 8 adults (26-60 years) with cerebral palsy. Almost all participants reported experiencing deteriorated walking ability in adulthood. A key theme was walking was restricted and affected by intrinsic features, for example; pain, fatigue, reduced balance and fear of falling. Extrinsic factors such as being judged for walking abnormally and environmental factors such as seasonal changes were also found to be important. Some participants reported having accepted using mobility aids to conserve energy and make walking easier.

Implication of findings:

Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence daily walking in adults with cerebral palsy. It is important that we target these factors to help adults with cerebral palsy to continue walking.

How to cite:

Beate Eltarvåg Gjesdal, Reidun Jahnsen, Prue Morgan, Arve Opheim & Silje
Mæland (2020) Walking through life with cerebral palsy: reflections on daily walking by adults
with cerebral palsy, International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 15:1,
1746577, DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1746577

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Over the past 20 years there have been increased investment by federal, state and local governments in the USA in walking and cycling infrastructure and programs. This study aimed to investigate to what extent daily walking and cycling rates have increased between 2001 and 2017 in the USA.

Main findings:

The National Household Travel Survey was used to estimate frequency, duration and distance of walking and cycling. Results showed that overall national walking rose slightly from 2001 to 2017, while cycling rates remained unchanged. Walking and cycling were highest among well-educated persons, households with low car ownership, and residents of high-density neighbourhoods. Walking and cycling decreased in 5-15 year olds but increased in 15-66 year olds. Men were 3x as likely to cycle as women but both sexes were equally as likely to walk.

Implication of findings:

National estimates of walking and cycling have not changed substantially between 2001 and 2017. This suggests that more needs to be done to promote these behaviours. Successful efforts in some US cities show active travel can increase with improve infrastructure, programs and policies that make walking and cycling safer and more convenient. These efforts need to be implemented on national scale if we hope to see impact on the number of Americans walking and cycling.

How to cite:

Buehler, R., Pucher, J., Bauman, A. 2020. Physical activity from walking and cycling for daily travel in the United States, 2001–2017: Demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic variation. Journal of Transport & Health. 16; 1-14.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

It is accepted that peer-led interventions are promising for promoting physical activity in older adults. However, it is unclear what makes a good peer-leader in such interventions. This study therefore aimed to understand what attributes are present in good peer leaders in walking groups for older adults.

Main findings:

The study used mixed methods to address the aims. Results showed that participants described effective peer leaders as optimistic, compassionate and friendly.

Implication of findings:

These findings can be used to influence training of peer walk leaders in walking groups for older adults.

How to cite:

Marlene Kritz, MSc, Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani, PhD, Barbara Mullan, MA, PhD, Joanne McVeigh, PhD, Nikos Ntoumanis, CPsych (BPS), PhD, Effective Peer Leader Attributes for the Promotion of Walking in Older Adults, The Gerontologist, , gnaa014, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaa014

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

This study aimed to review (method: scoping review) an array of studies that had used walking programmes as therapy or treatment for symptoms in menopausal women to identify key characteristics of these programmes that have a positive effect on outcomes.

Main findings:

77 walking programmes from 96 publications were included in the review. Walking interventions ranged from 4 weeks to 3 years in duration. Overall 91% of the programmes showed beneficial effects on at least one menopause related medical outcome. However, information on specific outcomes were lacking (for example sleep problems).

Implication of findings:

There is clearly a growing interest in walking programmes as a potential therapy in menopausal women, and such programmes appear to be promising in improving symptoms and promoting wellness in women. Further research into the effects of walking on specific outcomes in women in specific stages of menopause is warranted.

How to cite:

Sydora, Beate C. MSc, PhD1; Turner, Cailey BSc1; Malley, Alexandra BSc1; Davenport, Margie PhD2; Yuksel, Nese BScPharm, PharmD, FCSHP, NCMP3; Shandro, Tami MD4,5; Ross, Sue PhD1 Can walking exercise programs improve health for women in menopause transition and postmenopausal? Findings from a scoping review, Menopause: May 11, 2020 – Volume Publish Ahead of Print – Issue – doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001554

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

There is a lack of data from physical activity trials with long-term follow up of both device measured PA levels and robust health outcomes. Two primary care 12-week pedometer based walking interventions in adults (PACE-UP) and older adults (PACE-Lift) found sustained PA increases (measured using pedometers) at 3 and 4 years, respectively. This paper specifically aims to evaluate trial intervention effects of long-term health outcomes relevant to walking interventions using primary care data.

Main findings:

This paper found significantly fewer cardiovascular events (e.g. heart attacks) and fractures in intervention participants at 4 years. No statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups were demonstrated for other events.

Implication of findings:

Short-term (e.g. 12 week) primary care pedometer based walking interventions can produce long-term health benefits and should be more widely used to address the growing physical inactivity challenge.

How to cite:

Harris T, Limb ES, Hosking F, Carey I, DeWilde S, Furness C, et al. (2019) Effect of pedometer-based walking interventions on long-term health outcomes: Prospective 4-year follow-up of two randomised controlled trials using routine primary care data. PLoS Med 16(6): e1002836. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002836

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

A risk factor is a characteristic of an individual that increases their chances of disease. Risk factors for heart disease include being overweight, having low fitness levels, high blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure. Recent research showed that walking could reduce these risk factors for heart disease, but it was not clear if or how greater amounts of walking resulted in greater reductions in these risk factors. This review aimed to investigate the effects of different amounts of walking on these heart disease risk factors.

Main findings:

This review found that walking significantly improved the following heart disease risk factors: body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and aerobic fitness levels. However, this review found there was not enough evidence to be able to say how much walking, what speed of walking, or how often one needs to walk to improve these risk factors.

Implication of findings:

The health benefits of walking in terms of reducing risk of heart disease are clear. Health messages should highlight that walking can reduce risk of heart disease, and that even small amounts of walking can help. This is a particularly important message for inactive populations.

How to cite:

Oja P, Williamson C, Kelly P, et al Infographic. The effects of frequency, intensity, duration and volume of walking interventions on CVD risk factors: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomised controlled trials among inactive healthy adults British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 26 February 2019. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100290

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Nature based activities have long been known for their therapeutic effects and links with mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. There is a lack of research on the effects of nature activities (particularly walking) on resilience. This study investigated whether walking groups could act as a nature-based intervention to improve resilience by buffering the effects of recent stressful life events on mental health.

Main findings:

Data from 1081 nature group walkers was compared with data from 435 participants who did not take part in nature group walks. Results showed taking part in outdoor walking groups did not moderate the effects of recent stressful life events on mental health. However, positive associations of group walks in nature were at a higher magnitude than the negative effects of stressful live events on depression, positive affect, and mental wellbeing. This implies that there may be an ‘undoing’ effect of nature group walks.

Implication of findings:

Nature group walks may be an important tool in improving resilience and mental health, however (non-cross sectional), further research to develop our understanding of this is warranted.

How to cite:

Marselle, M.R.; Warber, S.L.; Irvine, K.N. Growing Resilience through Interaction with Nature: Can Group Walks in Nature Buffer the Effects of Stressful Life Events on Mental Health? Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 986.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

This review aimed to understand the link between active travel for transport (i.e. walking or cycling with the purpose of moving from A to B rather than for leisure) and overall physical activity. This review took the key evidence from key scientific articles in this area and reported it in a digestible way. This review only included high quality evidence, and therefore its results can be taken as trustworthy. This review is important as it highlights the role that active travel can play in overall physical activity levels.

Main findings:

This review drew on evidence from 84 studies. Overall, this review found interventions aiming to increase active travel to be effective, and found that these interventions can increase overall physical activity levels. The interventions that seem to work best are city- or town-wide initiatives.

Implication of findings:

When designing and implementing active travel interventions, it is important to take a whole system approach such as town- or city-wide initiative. Individual interventions that complement one another are also important. For example, targeting physical infrastructure such as adding cycle lanes as well as interventions targeting social factors such as media campaigns. Local agencies should be encouraged to promote active travel specifically as part of their physical activity promotion efforts.

How to cite:

Cavill N, Davis A, Cope A, Corner D, 2019, Active Travel and Physical Activity Evidence Review. Sport England.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Research around dog ownership has predominantly focused on the physical and social health benefits of owning a dog. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal (long-term) effect of owning a dog and dog walking on mental health.

Main findings:

Data were collected from a cohort of 1023 participants. There were no statistically significant effects over time between dog ownership and stress or depression. Over time, there was a small inverse association between weekly minutes of dog walking and stress (i.e. more dog walking associated with lower levels of stress), but this association was non-significant.

Implication of findings:

Further research is required to understand the relationships between dog ownership, dog walking and mental health.

How to cite:

Y Cui, M Russell, M Davern, H Christian, Longitudinal evidence of the impact of dog ownership and dog walking on mental health, Journal of Public Health, , fdz094, https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdz094

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

It is important for the physical and mental health of children that they are physically active. Despite this, many children do not meet the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. One way that children can be physically active is through active travel to/from school and by attending active after school clubs. This study aimed to investigate participation in after school clubs and active travel to/from school in age 11 children and associate the average daily minutes of physical activity associated with active travel and after-school club attendance.

Main findings:

This study found that boys and girls were as likely as each other to attend active after-school clubs. Boys were more likely to travel actively to school than girls. Attending an active after-school club was associated with an additional 7.6 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day among both boys and girls. Active travel was associated with an extra 4.7 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day for boys and 2.4 minutes for girls. The study also found attending an after-school club was no associated with active travel home from school.

Implication of findings:

This study demonstrated that both after-school clubs and active travel are associated with greater physical activity on the day that children participate in these. Furthermore, children that attended after school clubs were not less likely to travel actively home afterwards. Although the increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity per day seen were relatively small (2.4 minutes to 7.6 minutes), actively traveling and attending after school clubs on multiple days could make meaningful increases to a child’s overall physical activity levels.

How to cite:

Salway, R., Emm-Collison, L., Sebire, S.J. et al. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act (2019) 16: 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-019-0832-3

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

There are many potential benefits of interventions that aim to lower the speed at which cars move. It is possible to do this either through creating 20mph ‘zones’ or ‘limits’. There is a difference between the two. A 20mph zone is an area with a speed limit of 20mph as well as physical traffic calming measures such as speed bumps. A 20mph limit involves only signage and/or lines to alert drivers to the speed limit. This review aimed to examine the effects of both these zones and limits on relevant public health outcomes.

Main findings:

There were more studies reporting 20mph zones (n=9) than there were those reporting 20mph limits (n=2). The findings showed that 20mph zones were associated with a reduction in the number and severity of incidents between pedestrians and road vehicles that may result in injury or death. The evidence for effects of these zones on air pollution were less clear. These zones were also found to have potential to indirectly impact physical activity.

Implication of findings:

20mph zones (i.e. 20mph speed limits in place alongside physical traffic calming measures such as speed bumps) have potential to positively impact a range of public health outcomes including physical activity.

How to cite:

Cleland, C. L., McComb, K., Kee, F., Jepson, R., Kelly, M., Milton, K., … Hunter, R. F. (2019). Effects of 20mph interventions on a range of public health outcomes: A meta-narrative evidence synthesis. Journal of Transport and Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2019.100633

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Interventions to increase physical activity can improve health. 10 million spectators attend golf tournaments per year. Golf is one of the only sporting events that spectators stand and walk main portions of the course, therefore those who attend these events may receive health enhancing benefits from walking. This is a follow-up study to assess whether spectators at a European Golf Tour event receiving an intervention (a leaflet) to improve knowledge and change attitudes towards physical activity was effective.

Main findings:

Three months after the Golf Tour event, researchers emailed a questionnaire to spectators. Findings were; 68% of spectators agreed that receiving information at the event on PA helped increase their knowledge. 58% agreed that receiving more information at events would increase their PA at golf tournaments. 65% agreed that receiving information at the event would increase their everyday PA. 40% agreed that they had participated in more PA since receiving the information at the event. 36% agreed that receiving information about PA of spectating at events will make it more likely that they attend future golf tournaments.

Implication of findings:

Governing bodies of sport should be encouraged to partner with physical activity experts to encourage more walking at golf events. Physical activity expert’s presence and promotion at these events may have impact to knowledge of physical activity and walking, improving public health for fans and spectators of golf.

How to cite:

Murray, A, Hawkes, RA, Kelly, P, Grant, M & Mutrie, N 2019, ‘Do golf fans walk the talk? Follow up of
spectators’ beliefs and self-reported physical activity 3 months after they attended a professional golf
tournament in the United Kingdom.’ BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 1-6. DOI:
10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000503

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Understanding what makes walking for leisure easier or more difficult is important for us to develop interventions and promote walking. This review was commissioned by Paths for All and Ramblers Scotland to display what the existing evidence tells us about barriers and facilitators to recreational walking in Scotland.

Main findings:

This review identified 12 critical factors that can act as barriers and/or facilitators to recreational walking. These 12 factors are presented organised by the Ecological framework. Individual factors included: ill-health and poor health status, awareness of health and well-being benefits, knowledge of route options, existing attitudes to walking, experience of walking and sense of achievement, and practicalities and expectations of walking and walking ability. Social environmental factors included: companionship and local deprivation. Physical environment factors included: scenery and landscapes, natural environment, accessibility and access, and safety.

Implication of findings:

Actions across all of the 12 concepts identified is likely to increase levels of leisure time walking in Scotland, and in turn help enhance population health and well-being outcomes.

How to cite:

Kelly, P; Baker, G; Niven, A; Cooper, J; Hart, N; Martin, J; Strain, T; and Mutrie, N. 2019. Barriers and Facilitators to Recreational Walking: An Evidence Review. Available at: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/mediaLibrary/other/english/barriers-and-facilitators-to-recreational-walking—report-uofe-email-final.pdf

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Active travel to school (ATS) can provide health, academic, and psychological benefits, however, only around 50% of children in Scotland use ATS. Our previous work showed that walkability varied by small area deprivation across Scotland, however, this work did not explore associations with active travel. Spatial variation in built environment features warrants the study of links to potential variation in ATS rates. Our aims were thus to examine associations between ATS and home-to-school distance and walkability (i.e. a composite score of residential density and street connectivity), and to explore how the effect of walkability on ATS is moderated by distance.

Main findings:

• Distance and walkability were both associated with active travel to school (ATS).
• Less than half of the children reported active travel every day.
• With increasing distance, the proportion actively travelling decreased; 78.6% of children who lived less than 0.5km from school used ATS every day, reducing to 18% of those living 2km or more from school.
• Compared to those within the most walkable areas, those within the least walkable showed around a 75% reduction in the odds of ATS for most journeys (60% or more) to school.
• Higher walkability increased the odds of ATS for most journeys for all distances.

Implication of findings:

The findings of our nationwide study show that neighbourhood walkability scores are related to ATS, calculated for all or most school journeys, within all distance categories. Investment is needed in existing less walkable neighbourhoods to provide the infrastructure to support opportunities for ATS. Those involved in developing urban and transport policies should work towards improved street connectivity. Education authorities should collaborate with planning and public health professionals, and consider dwelling density and school catchment size when siting schools.

How to cite:

Macdonald L, McCrorie P, Nicholls N, et al. Active commute to school: does distance from school or walkability of the home neighbourhood matter? A national cross-sectional study of children aged 10–11 years, Scotland, UK. BMJ Open 2019;9:e033628. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033628

Link to other resources: https://twitter.com/theSPHSU/status/1214135055829946369/photo/1

Aim of the research and importance:

There is evidence to suggest that, for the general public, talking part in group walks in the natural environment (e.g. in a park) is more beneficial for mental health than walking indoors (e.g. on a treadmill). As a result, such ‘green walking groups’ have been suggested as a potential therapy for adults with mental health problems. However, the evidence on green walking groups and mental health outcomes in this population has not been reviewed. Therefore, a mixed-methods literature review was conducted to address this gap.

Main findings:

Six papers reporting on eight mental health outcomes were included in this review. The evidence reviewed suggests that people with mental health problems who take part in green walking groups can experience connections with other people, connections with nature, and a sense of freedom. There was also some evidence to support that green walking groups may improve mood, self-esteem, reflection on life tasks, and symptoms of depression.

Implication of findings:

Green walking groups may be a promising treatment option for individuals with mental health problems.

How to cite:

Swinson, T., Wenborn, J., & Sugarhood, P. (2019). Green walking groups: A mixed-methods review of the mental health outcomes for adults with mental health problems. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022619888880

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

The aim of this infographic was to show the main findings from a review that looked at the mental health benefits of walking. Although there is a lot of research looking at the health benefits of being physically active, there is not as much looking specifically at the mental health benefits of walking; so that is what the focus of this review was.

Main findings:

This review found strong evidence that walking could help prevent or treat depression and anxiety, and that walking can improve positive mental health outcomes such as happiness. This review also suggested that it may be even better for your mental health to walk outdoors in a natural environment than in other environments such as on a treadmill in the gym.

Implication of findings:

Policy makers and practitioners should promote the mental health benefits of walking, and walking should be seen as a key method of getting more people active and improving population mental health.

How to cite:

Kelly P, Williamson C, Hunter R, et al Infographic. Walking on sunshine: scoping review of the evidence for walking and mental health British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 02 February 2019. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100289

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Despite the benefits of a physically active lifestyle, there are few examples of interventions that have been successfully implemented at a population level over a long period of time. One example is The Daily Mile, a school based physical activity initiative, where a teacher takes their class out daily during class time for a short bout of ambulatory activity. At one school, this activity appears has been sustained over a long period (6 years). The aim of this paper was to understand how The Daily Mile was implemented in primary schools and to assess factors associated with its successful implementation.

Main findings:

The key aspects of The Daily Mile that are related to its implementation success are:
1. Having simple core intervention components: the core intervention components of The Daily Mile are intuitively simple with regards to duration, type of activity, and frequency and these are likely to be key to its success.
2. Flexible delivery that supports teacher autonomy
3. Being adaptable to suit the specific primary school context

Other factors relating to how The Daily Mile was developed, trialled and rolled out might also have contributed towards its successful implementation.

Implication of findings:

The Daily Mile appears to have several factors which might be related to its implementation success. This research also highlights several considerations and areas of future research such as exploring exactly which of these intervention factors effect implementation and what could effects its continuation in schools. These are potentially important considerations for others looking to implement The Daily Mile effectively in their primary school or in other settings.

How to cite:

Ryde GC, Booth JN, Brooks NE, Chesham RA, Moran CN, Gorely T (2018) The Daily Mile: What factors are associated with its implementation success? PLoS ONE 13(10): e0204988. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204988

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Walking interventions in healthy populations show clinically relevant improvements for many cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. We aimed to assess the changes in CVD risk factors and the dose–response relationship between frequency, intensity, duration and volume of walking and cardiovascular risk factors based on randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Main findings:

Thirty-seven RCTs, involving 2001 participants (81% women) and assessing 13 CVD risk factors, were identified. Pooled meta-analysis showed favourable effects of walking intervention for seven CVD risk factors (body mass, body mass index, body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose and VO2max). There were no significant effects for waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and four blood lipid variables.
Despite testing 91 possible dose–response relationships, linear meta-regression analysis adjusted for age indicated just 7 (or 7.7%) statistically significant findings.

Implication of findings:

Walking interventions benefit a number of CVD risk factors. Despite multiple studies and tested metrics, only a few dose-response relationships were identified and the possibility of chance findings cannot be ruled out. There is insufficient evidence to quantify the frequency, length, bout duration, intensity and volume of the walking required to improve CVD risk factors.

How to cite:

Oja P, Kelly P, Murtagh EM, et al Effects of frequency, intensity, duration and volume of walking interventions on CVD risk factors: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomised controlled trials among inactive healthy adults Br J Sports Med 2018;52:769-775.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

The Scottish Government recognises that increasing physical activity is crucially important for the mental and physical health of our country. The simplest way for most of us to gain more physical activity is through walking more.

The National Walking Strategy Action Plan (launched on 3 March 2016) has been developed to assist in the delivery of the National Walking Strategy, and lists objectives, outcomes and core indicators. It is managed and promoted by the charity Paths for All, which also facilitates the associated Delivery Forum on behalf of the Scottish Government. This paper provides key programme metrics.

Main findings:

This is a cross-sector programme impacting on each of the seven best investments for physical
activity. It involves the following sectors:
– Communication and public education.
– Transport and the environment.
– Urban design and infrastructure.
– Health and social care.
– Education.
– Community-wide approaches.
– Sport and recreation.

A strong endorsement of the National Walking Strategy is evidenced in the latest Scottish Household Survey, showing a rise in recreational walking. Recreational walking (for at least 30min) has consistently been the most common type of physical activity in Scotland. Participation in recreational walking has risen from
54% in 2010 to 67% in 2016 according to the Scottish Household Survey.

Implication of findings:

A government-led, cross-sectoral initiative that contributed to a 13% increase in population-level recreational walking over a 6-year period, documented by a national health surveillance system. While rates of walking are increasing in Scotland, we need to evaluate our programmes over a period of time, and evaluate successes and where we need to improve. We have been inspired by visiting, and having visits from, world leaders who have been generous in sharing their knowledge and ideas that work. We look to continue learning and sharing.

How to cite:

Campbell A, Calderwood C, Hunter G, et al Physical activity investments that work—Get Scotland walking: a National Walking Strategy for Scotland Br J Sports Med 2018;52:759-760.

Link to other resources: http://www.stepchangescot.scot/

Aim of the research and importance:

Interventions to promote walking have focused on individual or group based approaches – often via the RCT design. Walking can also be promoted using population health approaches. We systematically reviewed the effectiveness of population approaches to promote walking among individuals and populations.

Main findings:

12 studies were identified from mostly urban high-income countries (one focusing on using a tax – incentivising the loss of parking spaces); one using policy only (permitting off-leash dogs in city parks). Five studies used mass media with either environment (n=2) or community approaches (n=3). Four studies used environmental changes that were combined with policies. One study had scaled up school-based approaches to promote safe routes to schools. We found mass media, community initiatives and environmental change approaches increased walking (range from 9 to 75 mins/week).

Implication of findings:

The review identified a new and emerging evidence base for three population approaches to promote walking:
1. Mass media
2. Community initiatives
3. Environmental change approaches.

The precise combination of active and effective approaches within these studies will require further detailed outcome and process evaluation.

How to cite:

Foster C, Kelly P, Reid HAB, et al What works to promote walking at the population level? A systematic review Br J Sports Med 2018;52:807-812.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

The Theory of Planned Behaviour is a psychological model used to research the correlates of behaviours such as walking and cycling. This theory suggests that a behaviour is a reasoned decision determined by intention, which is influenced by a person’s attitude towards the behaviour, their subjective norm, and their perceived behavioural control (PBC).
This study of observational cohort data examined whether an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (eTPB) predicted change in walking and cycling for transport and recreation using a population-based sample of adults from the UK.

Main findings:

1796 and 1465 participants provided 1- and 2-year follow-up data. All eTPB constructs except subjective norms were associated with changes in at least one of the four outcomes that were tested. In general, eTPB constructs were more often associated with increases than with decreases in time spent walking and cycling.

Implication of findings:

This was one of the first known studies to examine the extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. With all the constructs of the eTPB relating to walking and cycling behaviour (apart from subjective norms), these should be highlighted as significant in future research and in the development of interventions to increase/promote walking and cycling.

How to cite:

Bird, EL, Panter, J, Baker, G, Jones, T & Ogilive, D 2018, ‘Predicting walking and cycling behaviour change
using an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour’ Journal of Transport & Health. DOI:
10.1016/j.jth.2018.05.014

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

This rapid evidence review is intended for health and social care policy makers, decision makers and commissioners and attempts to address the following question: “What is the impact of walking and/or cycling on different health outcomes?”

Main findings:

Walking and cycling can
1. improve metabolic health and reduce risk of premature mortality
2. reduce the risk factors for a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, some cancers, and Type II diabetes
3. have positive effects on mental health and general wellbeing.
4. have mental health and neurological benefits like reduced risk of dementia, improved sleep quality, and a greater sense of wellbeing
5. Have benefits for the general population including reduction in pollution due to car use and decrease in road congestion
Health benefits of walking and cycling outweigh any potential health risks and harms- for example from injury or pollution.

Implication of findings:

A growing body of evidence supports specific physical and mental health benefits for both walking and cycling. The evidence set out in this rapid evidence review will help make the case for appropriate levels of funding for further active travel interventions. To increase population walking and cycling, and to realise the associated benefits for population health and health and care systems, there is a need to provide environments and opportunities that support walking and cycling. Such environments should be accessible to all, with particular attention to ages, socioeconomic status, and people with disabilities and long-term conditions.

How to cite:

Laird, Y., Kelly, P., Brage S., Woodcock, J. (2018). Cycling and walking for individual and population health benefits. London, UK: Public Health England

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

The Daily Mile is anecdotally reported to have a number of physiological benefits including increased physical activity, reduced sedentary behaviour, increased fitness and improved body composition. This study aimed to investigate these reports.

Main findings:

After correction for age and gender, significant improvements were observed in the intervention school relative to the control school for MVPA, sedentary time, fitness and body composition.

Implication of findings:

The findings show that in primary school children, the Daily Mile intervention is effective at increasing levels of MVPA, reducing sedentary time, increasing physical fitness and improving body composition.

How to cite:

Chesham, R. A., Booth, J. N., Sweeney, E. L., Ryde, G. C., Gorely, T., Brooks, N. E., & Moran, C. N. (2018). The Daily Mile makes primary school children more active, less sedentary and improves their fitness and body composition: a quasi-experimental pilot study. BMC medicine, 16(1), 64.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

One aspect that might contribute to somebody’s physical activity (PA) levels is the neighbourhood they live in. There has been some research in this area in the past, but data has mainly been collected at one point in time, meaning we cannot conclude whether or not the neighbourhood someone lives in in affects their physical activity (PA) levels; only that the two factors may be related. The current study aimed to address these issues by looking at the effects of residential relocation on PA, walking and travel behaviour.

Main findings:

This review found good evidence that moving to activity friendly neighbourhoods leads to more walking. The most consistent features of a ‘activity friendly neighbourhood’ were access to transportation (e.g. regular buses), aesthetics (e.g. green spaces), safety (e.g. slow speed limits for cars) and walkability (e.g. well connected pavements). The evidence was stronger for retrospective studies (i.e. studies that look backwards to assess if or what change has occurred) than for prospective studies (i.e. studies that follow outcomes throughout time to see if anything changes). Evidence was weaker for the effects on overall PA, cycling, and driving.

Implication of findings:

The neighbourhood that somebody lives in may affect how much they walk based on its walkability, safety and aesthetics. More high quality research where individuals are followed over time is required for us to understand the role that neighbourhoods and moving house have on PA levels.

How to cite:

Ding D, Nguyen B, Learnihan V, et al Moving to an active lifestyle? A systematic review of the effects of residential relocation on walking, physical activity and travel behaviour British Journal of Sports Medicine 2018;52:789-799.

Link to other resources: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2019/03/29/bjsports-2018-100398

Aim of the research and importance:

A lot of the research that looks into the effects of walking for health are small scale interventions that focus on individuals or small groups. However, it is also important to investigate ways we can improve population-wide levels of walking. This research therefore systematically reviewed the literature around population approaches to promote walking to try and establish what works best at this large scale.

Main findings:

12 different studies were included in this review. These studies came mainly from high-income countries. One of these studies used tax, one used a policy approach, five used mass media with either environmental or community approaches, four used environmental changes combined with policies, and one had scaled up school-based approaches. The review found that mass media approaches, community initiatives and environmental change approaches were effective in improving walking. These improvements ranged fro 9 to 75 minutes per week.

Implication of findings:

Changing the physical environment (e.g. adding cycle lanes and bike parking facilities), implementing community initiatives, and carrying out mass media campaigns are promising methods of improving walking levels across the population.

How to cite:

Foster C, Kelly P, Reid HAB, et al What works to promote walking at the population level? A systematic review British Journal of Sports Medicine 2018;52:807-812.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Adults with intellectual difficulties are inclined to have poorer health and be less physically active than the general population. Therefore, promotion of physical activity in this population has been recognised as significant. Walking is an effective and convenient way for individuals to increase their physical activity levels and can be easier for individuals with intellectual difficulties to participate in opposed to other means of activity. Nineteen adults with intellectual difficulties took part in a qualitative study exploring their experiences of participating in walking programme ‘Walk Well’.

Main findings:

Informal interviews and focus groups were used to collect the participant’s experiences of the walking programme after they had participated in it.
Main themes were found within the information collected; Perceived benefits of taking part in the walking group, Barriers, Walking choices, Using the Walk Well resources.
Participants had positive experiences from the walking groups reporting physical, social and psychological benefits. Barriers explored by the participants included adverse weather and lack of support. A key finding was that the option to walk alone or with others and finding local green spaces to walk around.

Implication of findings:

Exploring participants’ experiences of taking part in walking programme offers valuable insights as to why an intervention may or may not be effective in changing behaviour. This is crucial for advancing the effectiveness of future interventions, helping them to improve the health and well‐being of all populations.
Exploring particularly adults with intellectual difficulties offers and invaluable insight into how we can increase physical activity and health behaviours in a disadvantaged group.

How to cite:

Mitchell, F, Stalker, K, Matthews, L, Mutrie, N, Melling, C, McConnachie, A, Murray, H & Melville, CA 2018,
‘A qualitative exploration of participants’ experiences of taking part in a walking programme: Perceived
benefits, barriers, choices and use of intervention resources’ Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual
Disabilities, vol. 31, no. S1, pp. 110-121. DOI: 10.1111/jar.12326

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

There is lots of research on the physical health benefits of walking, but less on the mental health benefits. So this review was designed to assess what is know about the effects of walking on mental health.

Main findings:

Over the last 20 years the evidence base for the beneficial effects of walking for mental health has grown, but remains fragmented and incomplete for some important outcomes.

For depression and anxiety, there may be sufficient evidence to promote walking to prevent and treat these conditions.

There has been more research on the negative disease-based outcomes (such as depression and anxiety) than for the positive well-being outcomes (such as happiness or subjective well-being).

The evidence base seems to indicate that across the mental health outcomes there are additional benefits from walking outdoors in natural environments compared with indoor, treadmill-based walking.

Implication of findings:

It is very likely that increased walking will benefit mental health. This aspect needs to be given as much attention as the physical health outcomes.

How to cite:

Kelly P, Williamson C, Niven AG, Hunter R, Mutrie N, Richards J. Walking on sunshine: scoping review of the evidence for walking and mental health. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Jun 1;52(12):800-6.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

This is a call to action for safe routes for children. This letter is addressed to the Minister for Transport & the Islands, Scotland; the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; the Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Transport, Wales; and the Secretary of State for Transport, England calling on them to use their powers as Transport Minister to step up their programme of infrastructure and behaviour change. The aim is to help children travel safely and actively for local journeys within their communities by addressing parental/carer fears for their safety.

Main findings:

Authors suggest that such a change requires dedicated funding of at least 10% of the national transport budgets to pay for infrastructure interventions supported by a behaviour change programme.

Implication of findings:

Increase in activity among children will enable increased travel choices for many adults too. Safer environments for children to travel actively will lead to significant cost savings in the future to the NHS, contribute too to carbon reduction targets, and ingrain sustainable travel behaviours among tomorrow’s generation of adults.
It will have contributed to a broader set of solutions needed to resolve associated issues such as urban congestion, poor air quality, and public transport reliability.

How to cite:

Oliver, C. W., Kelly, P., Baker, G., du Feu, D., & Davis, A. (2018). There is too much traffic for Alex to walk to school, so we drive: A call to action based on a 42 year trend. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098933

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

To examine the associations of total and type-specific physical activity with mortality risk in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Main findings:

Compared to those who reported no physical activity, participants who met the physical activity guidelines demonstrated the greatest reductions in all-cause, cardiovascular disease and respiratory mortality risk. Participants who reported a level of physical activity of at least half the dosage recommended by the guidelines also had a reduced risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality.

Implication of findings:

We found a dose-response association between physical activity and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality risk in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with protective effects appearing at levels considerably lower than the general physical activity recommendations. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may benefit from engagement in low levels of physical activity, particularly walking and structured exercise.

How to cite:

Cheng, S. W. M., McKeough, Z., Alison, J., Dennis, S., Hamer, M., & Stamatakis, E. (2018). Associations of total and type-specific physical activity with mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a population-based cohort study. BMC public health, 18(1), 268.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

In April 2018 London Sport launched a digital behaviour change programme in
partnership with Walking for Health and Make Sport Fun to support hundreds of “less
active” people to join free walking groups across London.
The pilot project set out to use Facebook advertising supported by text message and
email engagements to support people to take the first steps to becoming more active by
delivering a digital-led behaviour change journey.

Main findings:

Across the three campaigns 2,799 people responded to the advert and signed up to be
matched with their nearest walk.We were able to match around 70% of these people with a walk close to them. (The remaining 30% were either too far from a walk or were only available at times when there were no walks running).

Each time we delivered a campaign we measured the percentage of people who actually
went on to attend a walk. In total the three campaigns supported around 360 people to attend a health walk for
the first time.

Implication of findings:

The approach that we took to delivering this campaign was relatively straightforward
as far as digital marketing campaigns go.
1. We used paid, targeted advertising to register the contact details of people who were interested in joining a walking group.
2. We provided them support to help them overcome real and perceived barriers that may have been holding them back from attending.
3. We followed up with prompts and reminders to encourage them to attend a walk.

These basic tactics may be transferable to other physical activity (or health and wellbeing) campaigns and interventions.

How to cite:

Using Facebook to recruit new participants for walking groups (interim report). London Sport, 2018

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

To set up and highlight the key topics and papers in the Walking and Health special issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Main findings:

Identifies the main topics of discussion in the Walking and Health special issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine which includes three extended editorials, three systematic reviews (including one meta-analysis), one narrative review, one scoping review and one individual participant pooled analysis.
A link to the list of papers in this issue has been provided under links to other resources.

Implication of findings:

To help inspire researchers and motivate practitioners and policy-makers in to action as well as trying to promote walking as a fun, healthy and convenient method of getting from place to place.

How to cite:

Stamatakis E, Hamer M, Murphy MH What Hippocrates called ‘Man’s best medicine’: walking is humanity’s path to a better world Br J Sports Med 2018;52:753-754.

Link to other resources: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/12

Aim of the research and importance:

This study looked into the links between walking speed and death due to different causes. This study also looked into whether or not these links were affected by other factors such as the amount of overall physical activity a person does, their age, sex or body mass index (BMI).

Main findings:

This study found that when compared to walking at a slow speed, walking at an average speed reduced the risk of death by any cause by 20%, and that walking at a brisk/fast speed reduced this risk by 24%. When focusing on death specifically caused by heart disease, the study found that walking at an average speed reduced risk of death by 24%, and that walking at a fast or brisk speed reduced risk of death by 21%. This study did not find any links between walking speed and risk of death from cancer.

Implication of findings:

Walking at a faster speed could reduce risk of death. Walking faster is a particularly good option for people who feel they do not have enough time to be more active, as it is a way they can improve their health without walking for longer periods of time or walking more often. It is therefore important that faster walking is promoted by practitioners and health professionals.

How to cite:

Stamatakis E, Williamson C, Kelly P, et al Infographic. Self-rated walking pace and all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality: individual participant pooled analysis of 50 225 walkers from 11 population British cohorts British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 01 March 2019. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100468

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Walking pace is associated with risk of premature mortality. However, whether this relationship is independent of total volume of physical activity and highest physical activity intensity remains unclear. We examined the associations between walking pace and cause-specific mortality, investigating the potential modifying effect of factors such as total physical activity volume, highest physical activity intensity, age, sex and body mass index (BMI).

Main findings:

50 225 walkers were entered in the core analyses. Among participants who did not experience an event in the first 2 years of follow-up (n=49 731), walking at an average or brisk/fast pace was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause (20% and 24%, respectively) and CVD mortality (24% and 21%, respectively), compared with reporting walking at a slow pace. In stratified analyses, such associations were evident among those over 50 years, those not meeting the physical activity recommendations and those who did not undertake vigorous-intensity activity. No associations were seen between pace and cancer mortality.

Implication of findings:

Walking benefits health. Assuming causality, these analyses suggest that increasing walking pace could reduce risk for all-cause and CVD mortality. Walking pace could be emphasised in public health messages, especially in situations when increase in walking volume or frequency is less feasible.

How to cite:

Stamatakis E, Kelly P, Strain T, et al Self-rated walking pace and all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality: individual participant pooled analysis of 50 225 walkers from 11 population British cohorts Br J Sports Med 2018;52:761-768.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

To review the evidence identifying a standard or minimum speed for adults to walk, addressing the question ‘how fast is fast enough?’ in terms of clinical and public recommendations.

Main findings:

It has been found that the average speed an adult walks at is quite low, with relatively older and/or unhealthy individuals taking even less steps per minute. As the technology has become more readily available more people are wearing step counting devices, and so guidance is need to help explain these data to the general public.

Implication of findings:

Evidence suggests a minimum of 100 steps per minute is a good guideline for healthy adults.

How to cite:

Tudor-Locke C, Han H, Aguiar EJ, et al How fast is fast enough? Walking cadence (steps/min) as a practical estimate of intensity in adults: a narrative review Br J Sports Med 2018;52:776-788.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Adolescent girls have low levels of physical activity compared to males, and their younger peers. Walking is a potential avenue to enhance physical activity for this group. This research aimed to identify what is an appropriate number of steps to advocate and promote for adolescent girls. We assessed the health profile of 230 adolescent girls and compared the 7-day step counts of girls classified as ‘healthy’ vs ‘at health risk’ vs ‘poor health’.

Main findings:

There was no difference in the number of steps between the three groups ‘healthy’, ‘at health risk’ and ‘poor health’.

Implication of findings:

These findings are inconsistent with research in other populations (e.g., younger/ adolescent boys) that show step-counts distinguish between healthy and unhealthy particpants. It is possible that the girls in this sample did not walk enough to be able to identify health outcomes. Although the findings of this study meant that it was not possible to identify a step count recommendation for this group, the paper concludes that based on the previous research an appropriate guideline would be 10,000 steps.

How to cite:

Macdonald, M., Fawkner, S., & Niven, A. (2017). How much walking should be advocated for good health in adolescent girls. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 14, 59-66

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

It is important to try and understand what might help or hinder mid-life and older adults to remain physically active. This study aimed to understand facilitators (factors that help) and barriers (factors that hinder) to physical activity maintenance in mid-life and older adults (n=60) who had been previously involved in a pedometer-based walking intervention.

Main findings:

Findings from interviews found that two thirds of participants felt they had an awareness of physical activity since the intervention, and that pedometers had been a useful tool in kick starting their regular activity and helping them to maintain this activity. Facilitators of physical activity identified included: maintaining good health, self-motivation, social support and good weather. Barriers included lack of time (most common), poor health, and bad weather. Participants suggested they would find ‘top ups’ such as messages and online resources useful in helping maintain their physical activity.

Implication of findings:

It is important that we find ways to help change barriers into facilitators. These findings also provide some useful suggestions and ideas for encouraging or ‘topping up’ physical activity maintenance which future interventions could use.

How to cite:

Wahlich C, Beighton C, Victor C, Normansell R, Cook D, Kerry S, Iliffe S, Ussher M, Whincup P, Fox-Rushby J, Limb E, Furness C, Harris T. Prim Health Care Res Dev. 2017 Nov;18(6):574-590. doi: 10.1017/S1463423617000433. Epub 2017 Aug 4.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Self-monitoring of walking, using pedometers for real-time feedback, has been researched thoroughly and found to be effective at increasing physical activity (PA). This study evaluated the feasibility of a new pocket-worn sedentary time and PA real-time self-monitoring device (SitFIT). This study was part of the European Football Fans in Training programme aimed at male fans of major football clubs. The men participated in weekly group sessions to encourage PA and reduce sedentary behaviour. The participants of the EuroFIT programme were given the prototype SITFIT to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the new device.

Main findings:

Participants reported that the numerical data that they received from the device was the most important factor supporting them to change behaviours e.g. time spent sitting and step count.
Post intervention men reported that setting goals was effective in increasing health behaviours.
About half of the participants did not change their behaviour throughout the intervention.
Social norms and work environment constrained the control participants had over changing their sedentary time, although they felt more in control of increasing their walking behaviour.
The vibration mode on the SitFIT was reported to be effective to increase time spent up-right.

Implication of findings:

The results from the current study helped to inform the final design of the SitFIT, with careful consideration of strengths and limitations that were reported by the participants.
Due to the positive feedback from the participants on gaining control due to self-monitoring of step count, sedentary time and the vibration function these findings should be considered when including self-monitoring measures in any sedentary or walking interventions in the future.

How to cite:

Martin, A, Adams, JM, Bunn, C, Gill, JMR, Gray, CM, Hunt, K, Maxwell, DJ, P van der Ploeg, H, Wyke, S &
Mutrie, N 2017, ‘Feasibility of a real-time self-monitoring device for sitting less and moving more: A
randomised controlled trial’ BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, pp. 1-10. DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2017-
000285

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Outdoor recreation time is a key opportunity for older adults to be physically active and allows them to connect with natural environments. As physical activity decreases with age, it is important to understand what influences time spent outdoors in older adults so that we can promote continued physical activity in this population. This study explored outdoor recreation behaviours in older adults throughout their lives to better understand how past experiences shape these behaviours later in life.

Main findings:

Thematic analysis of survey data revealed a number of ways in which childhood experience shaped behaviour later in life. It was found that major life transitions were where behaviour change was most pronounced. These life transitions included becoming married, having children, children entering adolescence, retirement, onset of disabilities or health conditions, and the death of others.

Implication of findings:

These findings may allow us to create targeted physical activity interventions to help older adults maintain outdoor recreation throughout major life transitions.

How to cite:

Kathryn Colley, Margaret J. B. Currie & Katherine N. Irvine (2019) Then and Now: Examining Older People’s Engagement in Outdoor Recreation Across the Life Course, Leisure Sciences, 41:3, 186-202, DOI: 10.1080/01490400.2017.1349696

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

This paper explores the role that somatic or bodily touch-based experience of ground surface textures plays in securing a commitment to health-giving exercise practices, and argues that ground-feel is a neglected and underrated dimension of how environments co-constitute health. Past work has largely either overlooked ground-feel or positioned rough ground solely as a barrier to bodily movement. This research, however, informed by mobile and video ethnographies of walking and mountain biking in Scotland, elaborates a number of ways in which the experience of textured terrain can produce sensory and emotional experiences that motivate regular exercise.

Main findings:

1. Haptic experience of terrain or ground-feel can be a motivator of regular exercise.
2. Rough or uneven ground is not always or necessarily a barrier to outdoor activity.
3. Rough or uneven ground can generate a positive ground-feel and therapeutic tactility.
4. The role of paths expands beyond connectivity, efficiency and ecological protection.

Implication of findings:

The possibility of positive tactile as well as visual experiences of landscapes, including uneven as well as smooth surfaces, should be taken more seriously in designing everyday outdoor environments that encourage the energetic movement of bodies. A key challenge is to identify the optimal mix of textured and smooth ground surfaces to encourage increased energetic engagement for the widest range of users.

How to cite:

Brown, K.M., (2017) The haptic pleasures of ground-feel: The role of textured terrain in motivating regular exercise., Health and Place, 46, 307-314.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

The purpose of this non-systematic review is to review and synthesis the current literature on the health benefits of walking. There is a strong evidence base for the physical and psychological health benefits of walking. This review examines the history, anatomy, physical and mental health benefits of walking.

Main findings:

Walking is an activity that almost anyone, anywhere can participate in. Therefore, walking should be promoted in any population, sex and age.
Walking has been found to have physical health benefits such as; a contribution to weight management, increased cardiovascular fitness and vascular function, regulation of blood pressure, ‘normalising’ blood lipids, improved immune and inflammatory functioning, and increased glucose metabolising.
Walking also has been found to have mental health benefits such as; increased ‘feel good effect’, cognitive functioning, and quality of life. There is also a new evidence base on the use of walking to treat anxiety, depression, and stress.

Implication of findings:

Systematic reviews of specific health benefits on walking are rare, however can be a valuable evidence base for future research. More evidence is required to better understand the health benefits of walking and how to increase walking as a long-term health behaviour.

How to cite:

Kelly, P, Murphy, M & Mutrie, N 2017, The health benefits of walking. in C Mulley, K Gebel & D Ding (eds),
Walking. Transport and Sustainability, vol. 9, Emerald Publishing, pp. 61-79. DOI: 20.500.11820/21169221-
7c12-4e74-8545-9613c5f75cff, 10.1108/S2044-994120170000009004

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

To explore the process through which the material and affective relations of people engaging with textured ground works to incite and enliven regular exercise outdoors.

Main findings:

A number of ways in which the experience of textured terrain can produce sensory and emotional experiences that motivate regular exercise, such as how texture motivates people to move more and how people enjoy different resistance.

Implication of findings:

A key challenge is to identify the optimal mix of textured and smooth ground surfaces to encourage increased exercise for the widest range of users.

How to cite:

Brown, K. M. (2017). The haptic pleasures of ground-feel: The role of textured terrain in motivating regular exercise. Health & place, 46, 307-314.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

It is well known that walking protects against many long-term diseases like cancer and diabetes and helps to improve physical and mental health. Walking in a group with others may be a particularly effective way of improving mental health as in addition to providing opportunity to restore the mind and contemplate thoughts, it allows the experience to be shared with others. This could be especially beneficial for older adults who often struggle with loneliness and social isolation. This study considered the creation of social relations through regular, organised weekly group walks for older adults.

Main findings:

Key themes surrounding social relations from this research included: the feeling of being among a community of friends, enjoyment of information sharing walking with fellow walkers (and it doesn’t matter who you talk to or what you talk about), being on the receiving end of care from other group members (monitor and support other walkers), filling up space in diary with something useful – making them feel energized and socially connected, and seeing the cool-down after the walk as an opportunity to have a coffee, continue conversations started during walk, and relax.

Implication of findings:

Older adults often struggle to become and remain physically active. To help address this, it’s important to encourage physical activity that older adults are capable of and which they enjoy. Walking groups are one way of achieving this, by providing opportunities to develop social relationships as well as be active. Primary health services and social care agencies could play a key role in promoting walking groups to older adults, for example, in relation to referral pathways and routine monitoring of vulnerable individuals.

How to cite:

Grant, G., Pollard, N., Allmark, P., Machaczek, K., & Ramcharan, P. (2017). The Social Relations of a Health Walk Group: An Ethnographic Study. Qualitative Health Research, 27(11), 1701–1712. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732317703633

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

This study’s aim was to define the term Active Travel (walking and cycling) and explore potential demographic, geographic, and socio-economic inequalities in active travel. Information was extracted from the Scottish Household Survey (2012-13) of individual’s (over 16) travel diary from the previous day, looking specifically at journey mode, distance, and purpose.

Main findings:

Driving, either as a passenger or driver was the most frequently reported mode of transport. Walking was reported more than cycling as an active travel mode. 26% of journey stages in Scotland were reported to be made by active travel. Younger adults were more likely to use active travel as a means of transport than older adults. The main reasons for active travel was for education or work. Individual’s living in deprived areas were found to use active travel more so than individual’s in lesser-deprived areas.

Implication of findings:

Walking remains one of the most common means of active travel in Scotland. Future research could evaluate this further by examining the reasons and factors influencing walking and cycling to understand how to encourage these modes of transport across the nation through interventions such as walking/cycling groups and education. Socio-economic status has further complications for active travel with those in most deprived areas more likely to walk than those in lesser-deprived areas. However active travel should be encouraged as a health behaviour regardless of status, not just for physical activity benefits but also for the environment.

How to cite:

Olsen, J. R., Mitchell, R., Mutrie, N., Foley, L., & Ogilvie, D. (2017). Population levels of, and inequalities in, active travel: A national, cross-sectional study of adults in Scotland. Preventive medicine reports, 8, 129-134.

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

Self-monitoring is one of the most effective behaviour change techniques to support weight loss and increased physical activity (PA). Pedometers offer a simple and convenient means of quantifying and self-monitoring walking and are useful as a motivational tool. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 28 men who completed a 12-week weight management programme for overweight/obese men (Football Fans in Training; FFIT). The central aim of the current study was to gain greater insight into pedometers as self-monitoring tools to influence men’s motivation for physical activity during and after taking part in the 12-week FFIT programme.

Main findings:

The pedometer was seen as useful to measure their progress throughout the weight management programme; increasing competence for change. The pedometer increased autonomy and independence as they were able to monitor their PA throughout the day. However, some participants found the pedometer discouraging due to not meeting their targets. Use of pedometers after the programme was mixed. Some participants continued to use them or alternative PA technology to monitor and progress their journey. However, most men who found pedometers too controlling, did not use it after the programme. Others discontinued use as they felt motivated to continue PA alone.

Implication of findings:

The findings from the programme suggest that self-monitoring of PA using pedometers is a good tool to increase autonomy and motivation; supporting their goals during and after the programme.
Use of pedometers through weight management programmes may be useful to some participants however, participants who felt the device undermined their motivation and competence relied greater on support from coaches and fellow participants.
Therefore, early identification of individuals who rely on social support rather than self-monitoring methods may be useful for effective participation of self-monitoring interventions.

How to cite:

Donnachie, C, Wyke, S, Mutrie, N & Hunt, K 2017, ‘‘It’s like a personal motivator that you carried around wi’
you’: Utilising self-determination theory to understand men’s experiences of using pedometers to increase
physical activity in a weight management programme’ International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and
Physical Activity, vol. 14, no. 61, pp. 1-14. DOI: 10.1186/s12966-017-0505-z

Link to other resources:

Aim of the research and importance:

To examine the effectiveness of a facilitated pedometer-based intervention to increase walking behaviour amongst staff at a Scottish university.

Main findings:

All participants significantly increased their step counts. Increases were particularly marked in the most physically inactive participants.

Implication of findings:

Pedometer-based interventions can be effective in increasing walking behaviour amongst university staff, particularly in physically inactive individuals. However, participation can be enhanced through the use of additional behaviour change techniques, such as goal setting and social support.

How to cite:

Brett, C. & Pires-Yfantouda, R. (2017). Enhancing participation in a national
pedometer-based workplace intervention amongst staff at a Scottish university. International
Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 55(4), pp. 215-225. doi:
10.1080/14635240.2017.1329632

Link to other resources: