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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Changing behavioral patterns to promote physical activity with motivational signs
Takuo Nomura1, Yoshinobu Yoshimoto, Yoshiteru Akezaki
1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino, Osaka, 583-8555, Japan, nomurata@rehab.osakafu-u.ac.jp
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine
|July 2, 2009
Summary
Motivational signs increased stair use at a train station, but effectiveness varied by age and gender. Publicity efforts did not enhance the impact of these signs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Urban Planning
Background:
- Promoting physical activity is crucial for public health.
- Stair use is a readily available opportunity for incidental exercise.
- Environmental cues can influence health-related behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of motivational signs in encouraging stair use over escalators.
- To investigate how age and gender influence the impact of these signs.
- To determine if publicity amplifies the effect of motivational signage.
Main Methods:
- A serial cross-sectional survey design was employed at a train station.
- Motivational posters and banners were displayed for four weeks.
- Observations of stair and escalator use were recorded, with demographic data collected.
Main Results:
- Stair use significantly increased from 3.58% to 4.93% within the first two weeks of the intervention.
- Stair use further rose to 5.80% by weeks three and four.
- The increase was observed across most subgroups, except for women aged 65 and older.
Conclusions:
- Motivational signs are effective in promoting stair use, though efficacy is moderated by age and gender.
- Physical ability and energy demands may limit stair climbing for certain demographics.
- The study suggests further research into publicity's synergistic effects is warranted.
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