Interventions to encourage people to walk can increase physical activity by 30-60 minutes a week, at least in the short-term, with individualised, targeted approaches generally proving most effective.
A systematic evidence review identified 48 randomised or non-randomised trials on the topic. Some addressed walking in general, for example through brief advice to individuals from exercise specialists or GPs, telephone or internet advice and counselling, or small group programs. Pedometers were often used as a tool.
Community-based programs usually included a mass media campaign augmented by community events, modest environmental improvements, formation of walking groups and provision of written advice for individuals.
Other interventions concentrated on promotion of walking as a means of transport to work or school.
The most successful techniques used targeting and tailoring. Targeting could direct efforts towards people already motivated to change, the most sedentary groups in a community, or people with a specific medical condition. Tailoring involved adaptation of programs to participants' requirements or circumstances, for example through individualised counselling, inviting households to choose from a menu of options, or helping to plan a child's route to school.
"Different types of people may respond to different approaches," the researchers said. "In other words, one size may not fit all and various approaches should be offered. Some people may respond best to personal advice from their doctor, others may prefer private feedback from a device such as a pedometer,...and others may increase their walking in response to prompts about reducing their car use on environmental grounds."
Walking had been described as a near-perfect exercise. Walking at a moderate 5 km/hour expended sufficient energy to be useful. It was a popular, familiar, convenient and free form of exercise that could be incorporated into everyday life and sustained into old age. And it was carbon-neutral.
Reference
Ogilvie, D. Foster, C. et al. 2007, 'Interventions to promote walking: systematic review.' BMJ Online First published online.
Abstract