Using step cadence goals to increase moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Exercise Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Increasing moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) is a key public health objective.
• Pedometers are effective tools for boosting daily activity levels.
• The comparative efficacy of different step cadence goals for enhancing MVPA remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of three distinct pedometer-based step goals in increasing MVPA.
• To compare the impact of self-selected, 10,000-step frequency, and 3000-step cadence goals on physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• 180 Latina women (aged 18-55) participated in a 12-week intervention across 12 community centers.
• Participants were randomized into three groups, each receiving a theory-based physical activity intervention differing only by daily step goal: self-selected (SELF), 10,000 steps/day (FREQUENCY), or 3000 steps in 30 min (CADENCE).
• Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity was measured using accelerometers at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The CADENCE group showed similar overall MVPA levels compared to the SELF and FREQUENCY groups.
• However, MVPA in the CADENCE group was more likely to occur in sustained bouts of over 10 minutes.
• This difference was statistically significant compared to both the SELF (P=0.01) and FREQUENCY (P=0.0001) conditions.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity interventions should incorporate step cadence goals.
• This approach can help individuals achieve bout-based MVPA.
• Incorporating cadence goals may aid in meeting national physical activity guidelines.