Evaluation and modification of exercise patterns in the natural environment.

Using a new experimental paradigm to evaluate physical activity in the natural environment, the authors made of 45,694 observations of persons using stairs or an adjacent escalator at a shopping mall, train station, and bus terminal. In study 1, stair use more than doubled for both obese and nonobese persons during two-week periods when a colorful sign encouraging use of the stairs was positioned at the stairs/escalator choice point. In study 2, stair use remained elevated for 15 consecutive days while the sign was present, decreased during a 1-month follow-up period, and returned to baseline by 3 months. These results not only demonstrate the usefulness of this paradigm, but also suggest the strength of simple, inexpensive public health interventions to increase physical activity.

Duke Scholars

Author Kelly D. Brownell Sanford School of Public Policy