Improving body image one step at a time: greater pedometer step counts produce greater body image improvements

This randomized controlled trial examined whether the number of steps walked during an 11-week action planning intervention would mediate changes in sedentary women's body image. Seventy-five healthy, sedentary women were randomly assigned to either a control group, where they were required to self-monitor their daily pedometer-determined step count, or to an experimental group, where they were asked to self-monitor and form specific action plans for walking. Of the 75 participants randomized, 41 were included in the efficacy analyses. Measured outcomes were satisfaction with physical functioning and physical appearance, and daily pedometer-determined step counts. Greater satisfaction with physical functioning and higher step counts were found for the experimental group. Moreover, the total number of steps walked over Weeks 2-11 was shown to partially mediate the effect of the intervention on satisfaction with physical functioning. These findings suggest that walking greater distances is associated with greater improvement in at least one aspect of women's body images.