You’re likely aware that physical activity is beneficial for your heart, overall health, and even your finances. In the past, physical activity was a necessity, but modern conveniences like washing machines, elevators, and electric toothbrushes have made it easier to avoid being active. In the United States, it’s no wonder many adults (50-95%) don’t meet national guidelines for physical activity. Inactive individuals face higher risks of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and shorter life spans, and this inactivity also negatively impacts the economy. Those who are the least active have the most health risks but also stand to gain the most from increasing their activity levels. So, how can we encourage people to be more active?
A recent study, led by John Bellettiere and his team at San Diego State University, discovered that placing signs encouraging stair use at the bottom of staircases and escalators at San Diego International Airport increased stair usage. The research was published on September 21 in the Journal of Primary Prevention. It was promising to see that these cues worked for both regular exercisers and those who never exercise, suggesting that simple prompts could effectively motivate those who would benefit the most. Stair use prompts, such as signs and novel methods like musical staircases, are intended to encourage more movement. While this study was one of the first conducted in an airport setting, other studies have shown similar success in various public environments. The growing body of evidence supports using prompts to enhance everyday physical activity.
When picturing someone being physically active, do you imagine them drenched in sweat and breathless? If so, there’s good news. Even light activity can have a positive effect. According to U.S. physical activity guidelines, “any physical activity is better than none, and adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain health benefits.” This recent stair use study aimed to persuade people to opt for stairs instead of an escalator when possible. Our daily activities are influenced by our physical and social surroundings. Ecological approaches that address individuals and the relationships, societal, and policy factors they face are needed to boost physical activity on a large scale.
Matthew Mclaughlin’s Ph.D. project is an example of an ecological strategy. Collaborating with a research team at Hunter New England Population Health (NSW Australia), led by Professor John Wiggers, they are expanding a previously effective whole-school multi-component physical activity program called Physical Activity for Everyone (PA4E1). In this ongoing project, seven strategies are employed to increase physical activity, including using email prompts to encourage physical education teachers to implement the program. Stay tuned for those outcomes.
Adults, even those who don’t routinely exercise, can be nudged to choose stairs over an escalator. Climbing a single flight of stairs isn’t going to have a major impact on health, but one study found that signs encouraging stair use in a shopping mall increased stair use at the site and other staircases. Maybe taking the stairs felt rewarding, leading to using them more? Additionally, when people observe others taking the stairs, they’re more likely to do the same, indicating that small nudges can accumulate to have a significant effect.