The effect of a pedometer-based community walking intervention "Walking for Wellbeing in the West" on physical activity levels and health outcomes: a 12-week randomized controlled trial Adherence to exercise prescriptions: effects of prescribing moderate versus higher levels of intensity and frequency. Does physical activity counselling enhance the effects of a pedometer-based intervention over the long-term: 12-month findings from the Walking for Wellbeing in the west study A Web-Based Program Improves Physical Activity Outcomes in a Primary Care Angina Population: Randomized Controlled Trial MobileMums: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an SMS-Based Physical Activity Intervention A pilot study of an Internet walking program and pedometer in COPD. Web-based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity by Sedentary Older Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial Effects of an exercise adherence intervention on outcomes in patients with heart failure. Efficacy of a pedometer-based physical activity program on parameters of diabetes control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Effect of physical activity intervention based on a pedometer on physical activity level and anthropometric measures after childbirth: a randomized controlled trial A pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating motivationally matched pedometer feedback to increase physical activity behavior in older adults. Promoting walking among office employees ― evaluation of a randomized controlled intervention with pedometers and e-mail messages Short-Term Effects of Using Pedometers to Increase Daily Physical Activity in Smokers: A Randomized Trial The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials Controlled outcome evaluation of the First Step Program: a daily physical activity intervention for individuals with type II diabetes Effects of a controlled pedometer-intervention trial for low-active adolescent girls. Dose relations between goal setting, theory-based correlates of goal setting and increases in physical activity during a workplace trial. The effectiveness of physical activity monitoring and distance counseling in an occupational setting – Results from a randomized controlled trial (CoAct) A population-based randomized controlled trial of the effect of combining a pedometer with an intervention toolkit on physical activity among individuals with low levels of physical activity or fitness. A home-based pedometer-driven walking program to increase physical activity in older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee: a preliminary study. Innovative program to increase physical activity following an acute coronary syndrome: randomized controlled trial. Evaluation of a 12-week home-based walking intervention for breast cancer survivors The effectiveness of physical activity counseling in a work-site setting. A randomized, controlled trial. Impact of an exercise intervention on physical activity during pregnancy: the behaviors affecting baby and you study. Randomised controlled trial of a pedometer-based telephone intervention to increase physical activity among cardiac patients not attending cardiac rehabilitation. Effects of a Pedometer‐Based Intervention on Physical Activity Levels After Cardiac Rehabilitation: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL Steps to a better Belfast: physical activity assessment and promotion in primary care Evaluation of an interactive, Internet-based weight loss program: a pilot study. A randomized controlled trial of an automated exercise coach for older adults. Short- and long-term effects of a physical activity counselling programme in COPD: a randomized controlled trial. Interventions to increase physical activity in middle-age women at the workplace: a randomized controlled trial. Enhancement of daily physical activity increases physical fitness of outclinic COPD patients: results of an exercise counseling program. Goal-Setting Protocol in Adherence to Exercise by Italian Adults Move to Improve: a randomized workplace trial to increase physical activity. A pedometer-based physical activity intervention for patients entering a maintenance cardiac rehabilitation program: a pilot study.
Background Recent systematic review s have suggested that pedometers may be effective motivational tools to promote walking . However , studies tend to be of a relatively short duration , with small clinical based sample s. Further research is required to demonstrate their effectiveness in adequately powered , community based studies . Objective Using a r and omized controlled trial design , this study assessed the impact of a 12-week graduated pedometer-based walking intervention on daily step-counts , self-reported physical activity and health outcomes in a Scottish community sample not meeting current physical activity recommendations . MethodS ixty-three women and 16 men ( 49.2 years ± 8.8 ) were r and omly assigned to either an intervention ( physical activity consultation and 12-week pedometer-based walking program ) or control ( no action ) group . Measures for step-counts , 7-day physical activity recall , affect , quality of life ( n = 79 ) , body mass , BMI , % body fat , waist and hip circumference ( n = 76 ) , systolic/diastolic blood pressure , total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol ( n = 66 ) were taken at baseline and week 12 . Analyses were performed on an intention to treat basis using 2-way mixed factorial analyses of variance for parametric data and Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon tests for non-parametric data . Results Significant increases were found in the intervention group for step-counts ( p < .001 ) , time spent in leisure walking ( p = .02 ) and positive affect ( p = .027 ) . Significant decreases were found in this group for time spent in weekday ( p = .003 ) , weekend ( p = .001 ) and total sitting ( p = .001 ) with no corresponding changes in the control group . No significant changes in any other health outcomes were found in either group . In comparison with the control group at week 12 , the intervention group reported a significantly greater number of minutes spent in leisure time ( p = .008 ) , occupational ( p = .045 ) and total walking ( p = .03 ) , and significantly fewer minutes in time spent in weekend ( p = .003 ) and total sitting ( p = .022 ) . Conclusion A pedometer-based walking program , incorporating a physical activity consultation , is effective in promoting walking and improving positive affect over 12 weeks in community based individuals . The discussion examines possible explanations for the lack of significant changes in health outcomes . Continued follow-up of this study will examine adherence to the intervention and possible result ing effects on health outcomes Sedentary adults ( N = 379 ) were r and omly assigned in a 2 x 2 design to walk 30 min per day at a frequency of either 3 - 4 or 5 - 7 days per week , at an intensity of either 45%-55 % or 65%-75 % of maximum heart rate reserve . Analyses of exercise accumulated over 6 months showed greater amounts completed in the higher frequency ( p = .0001 ) and moderate intensity ( p = .021 ) conditions . Analyses of percentage of prescribed exercise completed showed greater adherence in the moderate intensity(p = .02 ) condition . Prescribing a higher frequency increased the accumulation of exercise without a decline in adherence , whereas prescribing a higher intensity decreased adherence and result ed in the completion of less exercise Background Pedometers provide a simple , cost effective means of motivating individuals to increase walking yet few studies have considered if short term changes in walking behaviour can be maintained in the long-term . The role of physical activity consultations in such interventions is unclear . The purpose of this study was to assess the sustainability of pedometer-based interventions and empirically examine the role of physical activity consultations using long-term results of a community-based walking study . Methods 79 low active Scottish men and women ( 63 women and 16 men ) from the Walking for Wellbeing in the West intervention study were r and omly assigned to receive either : Group 1 ; pedometer-based walking programme plus physical activity consultations or Group 2 ; pedometer-based walking programme and minimal advice .  Step counts ( Omron HJ-109E Step-O-Meter pedometer ) , 7 day recall of physical activity ( IPAQ long ) , mood ( PANAS ) and quality of life ( EuroQol EQ-5D ) were assessed pre-intervention and 12 , 24 and 48 weeks after receiving the intervention . Body mass , body mass index and waist and hip circumference were assessed pre-intervention and 12 and 24 weeks after receiving the intervention . Analyses were performed on an intention to treat basis ( baseline value carried forward for missing data ) using mixed-factorial ANOVAs and follow-up t-tests . Results A significant main effect of time ( p < 0.001 ) was found for step-counts attributable to significant increases in steps/day between : pre-intervention ( M = 6941 , SD = 3047 ) and 12 weeks ( M = 9327 , SD = 4136 ) , t(78 ) = - 6.52 , p < 0.001 , d = 0.66 ; pre-intervention and 24 weeks ( M = 8804 , SD = 4145 ) , t(78 ) = - 4.82 , p < 0.001 , d = 0.52 ; and pre-intervention and 48 weeks ( M = 8450 , SD = 3855 ) , t(78 ) = - 4.15 , p < 0.001 , d = 0.44 . Significant effects were found for several variables of self-reported physical activity , mood and quality of life and are discussed . No other significant effects in health related outcomes were found . Conclusion Both interventions successfully increased and maintained step counts over 12 months . Physical activity consultations may encourage individuals to be active in other ways beyond walking and to reduce sitting time . Trial Registration NumberCurrent Controlled Trials Ltd IS RCT Background Angina affects more than 50 million people worldwide . Secondary prevention interventions such as cardiac rehabilitation are not widely available for this population . An Internet-based version could offer a feasible alternative . Objective Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of a Web-based cardiac rehabilitation program for those with angina . Methods We conducted a r and omized controlled trial , recruiting those diagnosed with angina from general practitioners ( GPs ) in primary care to an intervention or control group . Intervention group participants were offered a 6-week Web-based rehabilitation program ( “ ActivateYourHeart ” ) . The program was introduced during a face-to-face appointment and then delivered via the Internet ( no further face-to-face contact ) . The program contained information about the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) and set each user goals around physical activity , diet , managing emotions , and smoking . Performance against goals was review ed throughout the program and goals were then reset/modified . Participants completed an online  exercise diary and communicated with rehabilitation specialists through an email link/synchronized chat room . Participants in the control group continued with GP treatment as usual , which consisted of being placed on a CHD register and attending an annual review . Outcomes were measured at 6-week and 6-month follow-ups during face-to-face assessment s. The primary outcome measure was change in daily steps at 6 weeks , measured using an accelerometer . Secondary outcome measures were energy expenditure ( EE ) , duration of sedentary activity ( DSA ) , duration of moderate activity ( DMA ) , weight , diastolic/systolic blood pressure , and body fat percentage . Self-assessed question naire outcomes included fat/fiber intake , anxiety/depression , self-efficacy , and quality of life ( QOL ) . Results A total of 94 participants were recruited and r and omized to the intervention ( n=48 ) or the usual care  ( n=46 ) group ; 84 and 73 participants completed the 6-week and 6-month follow-ups , respectively . The mean number of log-ins to the program was 18.68 ( SD 13.13 , range 1 - 51 ) , an average of 3 log-ins per week per participant . Change in daily steps walked at the 6-week follow-up was + 497 ( SD 2171 ) in the intervention group and –861 ( SD 2534 ) in the control group ( 95 % CI 263 - 2451 , P=.02 ) . Significant intervention effects were observed at the 6-week follow-up in EE ( + 43.94 kcal , 95 % CI 43.93 - 309.98 , P=.01 ) , DSA ( –7.79 minutes , 95 % CI –55.01 to –7.01 , P=.01 ) , DMA ( + 6.31 minutes , 95 % CI 6.01 - 51.20 , P=.01 ) , weight ( –0.56 kg , 95 % CI –1.78 to –0.15 , P=.02 ) , self-efficacy ( 95 % CI 0.30 - 4.79 , P=.03 ) , emotional QOL score ( 95 % CI 0.01 - 0.54 , P=.04 ) , and angina frequency ( 95 % CI 8.57 - 35.05 , P=.002 ) . Significant benefits in angina frequency ( 95 % CI 1.89 - 29.41 , P=.02 ) and social QOL score ( 95 % CI 0.05 - 0.54 , P=.02 ) were also observed at the 6-month follow-up . Conclusions An Internet-based secondary prevention intervention could be offered to those with angina . A larger pragmatic trial is required to provide definitive evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness . Trial Registration International St and ard R and omized Controlled Trial Number ( IS RCT N ) : 90110503 ; http://www.controlled-trials.com/IS RCT N90110503/IS RCT N90110503 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6RYVOQFKM ) Background Postnatal women ( < 12 months postpartum ) are at increased risk of physical inactivity . Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a theory-based physical activity ( PA ) intervention delivered to postnatal women primarily via mobile telephone short message service ( SMS ) . Methods Eighty-eight women were r and omized to the intervention ( n = 45 ) or minimal contact control ( n = 43 ) condition . The 12-week intervention consisted of a face-to-face PA goal - setting consultation , a goal - setting magnet , three to five personally tailored SMS/week and a nominated support person who received two SMS per week . SMS content targeted constructs of social cognitive theory . Frequency ( days/week ) and duration ( min/week ) of PA participation and walking for exercise  were assessed via self-report at baseline , 6 and 13 weeks . Results Intervention participants increased PA frequency by 1.82 days/week ( SE ± 0.18 ) by 13 weeks ( F(2,85 ) = 4.46 , p = 0.038 ) and walking for exercise frequency by 1.08 days/week ( SE ± 0.24 ) by 13 weeks ( F(2,85 ) = 5.38 , p = 0.02 ) . Positive trends were observed for duration ( min/week ) of PA and walking for exercise . Conclusions Intervention exposure result ed in increased frequency of PA and walking for exercise in postnatal women BACKGROUND Higher levels of physical activity are associated with better functional status , fewer hospital admissions , and lower mortality . In this pilot study , we examined the feasibility and safety of a novel program that combines a pedometer with a website to increase walking . METHODS 27 persons with stable COPD wore the Omron HJ-720ITC pedometer and used the website for 90 days . They uploaded step-count data to the study server using their home computer and received an email each week with their individualized step-count goal . The website provided step-count feedback , education , and motivational content . Subjects participated in a monthly semi-structured interview by telephone . Subjects reported changes in medical condition by telephone or on the website . Paired T-tests assessed change in daily step counts . RESULTS Subjects were males , mean age 72 ± 8 years , with moderate COPD , FEV(1 ) 1.57 ± 0.48 L ( 55 ± 16 % predicted ) . 87 % and 65 % reported no problems using the pedometer and website , respectively . At month 3 , 96 % reported it was true that they knew their step count goal every day , and 52 % reported that they were able to reach their goal . 95 % of participants said they would recommend the walking program to another person with COPD . Eight subjects experienced breathing problems unrelated to the intervention . In 24 subjects with step counts at baseline and month 3 , there was a significant increase of 1263 steps per day ( approximately 1.0 km ) , p = 0.0054 . CONCLUSIONS The use of a website and pedometer was feasible and safe , and persons increased their daily walking Background Physical activity ( PA ) for older adults has well-documented physical and cognitive benefits , but most seniors do not meet recommended guidelines for PA , and interventions are lacking . Objectives This study evaluated the efficacy of a 12-week Internet intervention to help sedentary older adults over 55 years of age adopt and maintain an exercise regimen . Methods A total of 368 sedentary men and women ( M=60.3 ; SD 4.9 ) were recruited , screened , and assessed online . They were r and omized into treatment and control groups and assessed at pretest , at 12 weeks , and at 6 months . After treatment group participants rated their fitness level , activity goals , and barriers to exercise , the Internet intervention program helped them select exercise activities in the areas of endurance , flexibility , strengthening , and balance enhancement . They returned to the program weekly for automated video and text support and education , with the option to change or increase their exercise plan . The program also included ongoing problem solving to overcome user-identified barriers to exercise . Results The multivariate model indicated significant treatment effects at posttest ( P=.001 ; large effect size ) and at 6 months ( P=.001 ; medium effect size ) . At posttest , intervention participation showed significant improvement on 13 of 14 outcome measures compared to the control participants . At 6 months , treatment participants maintained large gains compared to the control participants on all 14 outcome measures . Conclusions These results suggest that an online PA program has the potential to positively impact the physical activity of sedentary older adult participants . More research is needed to replicate the study results , which were based on self-report measures . Research is also needed on intervention effects with older population The purpose of this study was to determine how an exercise adherence intervention affects the physiological , functional , and quality of life outcomes of patients with heart failure ( HF ) . Sixteen HF patients were r and omly assigned to an  exercise-only group  ( n = 8) or to an  exercise-with-adherence group ( n = 8) . Two of the 16 people  died from nonexercise related causes during the study and were not included in the analysis . The intervention was tested over a 24-week period in which patients participated in a 12-week supervised exercise program ( Phase 1 ) followed by 12 weeks of unsupervised home exercise ( Phase 2 ) . The intervention format was one of individualized graphic feedback on exercise goals and participation and problem-solving support by nurses . Results indicate that patients who received the intervention exercised more frequently and experienced improved outcomes during both phases . The adherence intervention may encourage HF patients to continue to exercise and thereby maintain the health benefits gained in both phases of an exercise program The aim of the study was to determine whether a recommendation to walk 10000 steps per day would result in significant improvements in glycemic control , insulin sensitivity , and cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus . The study was a 6-week r and omized controlled trial that included 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus . After 10 days of baseline activity , patients were r and omized into 2 groups : control and active . The control group ( n = 15 ) was instructed to continue with their baseline activity for 6 weeks . The active group ( n = 15 ) was instructed to walk at least 10000 steps per day 5 or more days per week , for 6 weeks .  Data relevant to glycemic control and other parameters of health were collected at study weeks 0 and 6 . There were no differences in the baseline activity between groups ( P = .36 ) . Subjects in the active group significantly increased physical activity by 69 % during the intervention phase of the study ( P = .002 ) , whereas there was no change in the physical activity of the control group ( P > .05 ) . High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and resting energy expenditure significantly increased in the active group ( P < .05 ) . Finally , plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 ( PAI-1 ) activity was reduced by exercise relative to the control group ( P = .03 ) . There were no differences in any other study parameters during the 6-week study . In conclusion , short-term intervention with a pedometer increased physical activity and positively affected plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 activity in previously inactive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus . The use of a pedometer may prove to be an effective tool for promoting healthy lifestyle changes that include daily physical activity and self-monitoring of therapeutic goals Background Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with weight gain in women , and retention of weight gained during pregnancy can lead to obesity in later life . Diet and physical activity are factors that can influence the loss of retained pregnancy weight after birth . Exercise guidelines exist for pregnancy , but recommendations for exercise after childbirth are virtually nonexistent . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical activity intervention based on pedometer on physical activity level and anthropometric measures of women after childbirth . Methods We conducted a r and omized controlled trial in which 66 women who had given birth 6 weeks to 6 months prior were r and omly assigned to receive either a 12 week tailored program encouraging increased walking using a pedometer ( intervention group , n = 32 ) or routine postpartum care ( control group , n = 34 ) . During the 12-week study period , each woman in the intervention group wore a  pedometer and recorded her daily step count .  The women were advised to increase their steps by 500 per week until they achieved the first target of 5000 steps per day and then continued to increase it to minimum of 10,000 steps per day by the end of 12th week . Assessed outcomes included anthropometric measures , physical activity level , and energy expenditure per week . Data were analyzed using the paired t-test , independent t-test , Mann-Whitney , chi-square , Wilcoxon , covariance analysis , and the general linear model repeated measures procedure as appropriate . Results After 12 weeks , women in the intervention group had significantly increased their physical activity and energy expenditure per week ( 4394 vs. 1651 calorie , p < 0.001 ) . Significant differences between-group in weight ( P = 0.001 ) , Body Mass Index ( P = 0.001 ) , waist circumference ( P = 0.001 ) , hip circumference ( P = 0.032 ) and waist-hip ratio ( P = 0.02 ) were presented after the intervention . The intervention group significantly increased their mean daily step count over the study period ( from 3249 before , to 9960 after the intervention , p < 0.001 ) . Conclusion A physical activity intervention based on pedometer is an effective means to increase physical activity ; reducing retention of weight gained during pregnancy and can improve anthropometric measures in postpartum women . Trial registration IS RCT N : I RCT BACKGROUND Increasing physical activity ( PA ) levels in older adults represents an important public health challenge . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of combining individualized motivational messaging with pedometer walking step targets to increase PA in previously inactive and insufficiently active older adults . METHODS In this 12-week intervention study older adults were r and omized to 1 of 4 study arms : Group 1 - -control ; Group 2 - -pedometer 10,000 step goal ; Group 3 - -pedometer step goal plus individualized motivational feedback ; or Group 4 - -everything in Group 3 augmented with biweekly telephone feedback . RESULTS 81 participants were r and omized into the study , 61 participants completed the study with an average age of 63.8 ± 6.0 years . Group 1 did not differ in accumulated steps/day following the 12-week intervention compared with participants in Group 2 . Participants in Groups 3 and 4 took on average 2159 ( P < .001 ) and 2488 ( P < .001 ) more steps/day , respectively , than those in Group 1 after the 12-week intervention . CONCLUSION In this 12-week pilot r and omized control trial , a pedometer feedback intervention partnered with individually matched motivational messaging was an effective intervention strategy to significantly increase PA behavior in previously inactive and insufficiently active older adults Background The purpose of the study was to evaluate a 6-month intervention to promote  office-employees  ’ walking with pedometers and e-mail messages . Methods Participants were recruited by 10 occupational health care units ( OHC ) from 20 worksites with 2,230 employees . Voluntary and insufficiently physically active employees ( N = 241 ) were r and omized to a pedometer ( STEP , N = 123 ) and a comparison group ( COMP , N = 118 ) . STEP included one group meeting , log-monitored pedometer-use and six e-mail messages from OHC . COMP participated in data collection . Reach , effectiveness , adoption , implementation , maintenance ( RE- AIM ) and costs were assessed with question naires ( 0 , 2 , 6 , 12 months ) , process evaluation and interviews ( 12 months ) . Results The intervention reached 29 % ( N = 646 ) of employees in terms of participation willingness . Logistic regression showed that the proportion of walkers tended to increase more in STEP than in COMP at 2 months in “ walking for transportation ” ( Odds ratio 2.12 , 95%CI 0.94 to 4.81 ) and at 6 months in “ walking for leisure ” ( 1.86 , 95%CI 0.94 to 3.69 ) . Linear model revealed a modest increase in the mean duration of “ walking stairs ” at 2 and 6 months ( Geometric mean ratio 1.26 , 95%CI 0.98 to 1.61 ; 1.27 , 0.98 to 1.64 ) . Adoption and implementation succeeded as intended . At 12 months , some traces of the intervention were sustained in 15 worksites , and a slightly higher number of walkers in STEP in comparison with COMP was observed in “ walking stairs ” ( OR 2.24 , 95%CI 0.94 to 5.31 ) and in “ walking for leisure ” ( 2.07 , 95%CI 0.99 to 4.34 ) . The direct costs of the intervention were 43 Euros per participant . Conclusions The findings indicate only modest impact on some indicators of walking . Future studies should invest in reaching the employees , minimizing attrition rate and using objective walking assessment .Trial registerationIS RCT BACKGROUND : In adults it is recommended that the minimum of 10,000 steps/day should be performed in order to consider an individual as active . The pedometer , a small device that counts steps , has been used to monitor and /or motivate physical activity in various population s. OBJECTIVE : To investigate the short-term effects of a protocol using a pedometer or an informative booklet to increase daily physical activity in apparently healthy smokers who reached or did not reach the minimum public health recommendation of 10,000 steps/day . METHODS : Subjects were r and omly assigned to 2 groups : group pedometer ( GP , n = 23 ) , who wore a pedometer every day during 1 month , aim ing to achieve 10,000 steps/day ; and group booklet ( GB , n = 17 ) , who received a booklet with encouragement to walk as much as possible in everyday life . Each group was subdivided according to their baseline daily physical activity level : active ( subjects who achieved 10,000 steps/day ) , and inactive ( those who did not achieve this minimum ) . RESULTS : Only the physically inactive GP increased significantly its daily physical activity ( pre vs post 7,670 [ 6,159–9,402 ] steps/day vs 10,310 [ 9,483–11,110 ] steps/day , P < .001 ) , with a concomitant increase in the 6-min walking test ( 6MWT ) distance ( mean and interquartile range 540 m [ 501–586 m ] vs 566 m [ 525–604 m ] , P = .03 ) . In GP , Δ post-pre steps/day correlated significantly with baseline number of steps/day ( r = −0.63 , P = .01 ) , but not with 6MWT . In the inactive subjects ( summing GP and GB ) , there were significant correlations between steps/day and cigarettes/day , pack-years , and Fagerström question naire ( r = −0.55 , −0.40 , and −0.59 , P ≤ .05 for all ) . Furthermore , improvement in steps/day in the inactive subjects of GP was correlated with baseline cigarettes smoked per day , pack-years , and Fagerström question naire ( r = 0.51 , 0.65 and 0.53 , P ≤ .05 for all ) . CONCLUSIONS : Physically inactive smokers improve their daily physical activity level by using a simple tool ( pedometer ) , and larger improvement occurs in subjects with the lowest levels of physical activity Flaws in the design , conduct , analysis , and reporting of r and omised trials can cause the effect of an intervention to be underestimated or overestimated . The Cochrane Collaboration ’s tool for assessing risk of bias aims to make the process clearer and more OBJECTIVE : To conduct a r and omised trial of a physical activity ( PA ) intervention , The First Step Program ( FSP ) for adults with type II diabetes . DESIGN : A 16-week intervention study and 24-week follow-up assessment . PARTICIPANTS : A total of 47 overweight/obese , sedentary individuals ( age=52.7±5.2 y ; BMI = 33.3±5.6 kg/m2 ) recruited through a diabetes education centre . MEASUREMENTS : Primary outcome :  daily PA assessed by pedometer ( steps/day ) . Secondary outcomes : anthropometric measures ( weight , BMI , waist girth , hip girth ) ; indicators of cardiovascular health ( resting heart rate and blood pressure ) ; glycemic control ( fasting glucose , insulin , HbA1c , glucose concentration 120 min postglucose load ) ; plasma lipid status ( total cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , LDL cholesterol , and triglycerides ) . RESULTS : Relative to the CONTROL group , FSP participants increased  their PA > 3000 steps/day ( approximately 30 min/day ) during the intervention ( P<0.0001 ) . Waist and hip girth decreased ( approximately 2–3 cm ) , but did not differ significantly between groups . Significant changes did not emerge for any of the other variables . CONCLUSIONS : The FSP is a practical intervention that elicits an immediate and profound change in walking behaviour . Such change is an important ‘ first step ’ towards increasing the volume and /or intensity of PA necessary to improve long-term health outcomes in this largely sedentary and overweight or obese population . Relapse by 24 weeks indicates that other strategies such as booster sessions are needed to maintain lifestyle change . Further research must determine realistic and responsive health outcomes for this population that are achievable through practical , real-world programming PURPOSE This intervention compares the effectiveness of daily step count targets with time-based prescription for increasing the health-related physical activity of low-active adolescent girls . METHODS We assigned participants ( N = 85 , mean age 15.8 + /- 0.8 yr ) depending on school attended to a control ( CON ) , pedometer ( PED ) , or minutes ( MIN ) group . The intervention groups were involved in a 12-wk physical activity self-monitoring and educative program . The only difference between the intervention groups was that the PED group set daily step count targets whereas the MIN group set daily time-based goals for physical activity involvement . Pre- , mid- , and postintervention changes in physical activity ( 4-d blinded step count and 3-d physical activity recall ) and body mass index ( BMI ) were assessed using a series of 3 ( group assignment ) x 3 ( time ) ANOVA . Where significant interactions were found , separate follow-up simple main effects tests were used . RESULTS At postintervention , only the PED group had significantly increased their total activity as measured by a 4-d step count , when compared with the control ( P = 0.03 , ES = 0.13 ) . The group , time , and interaction effects for 4-d step count were significant , indicating that although both the participants in the PED and the MIN groups significantly increased their step count across the 12-wk intervention ( P = 0.00 - 0.01 ) , the participants in the PED group had a greater increase at the midintervention time point ( P = 0.04 , ES = 0.10 ) . No pre- , mid- , or postintervention changes were reported in any group for BMI ( F = 1.18 , P = 0.32 ) . CONCLUSION The use of pedometers and daily step count targets with low-active adolescent girls may result in short-term ( 6 wk ) enhanced physical activity related outcomes when compared with traditional time-based physical activity prescriptions . However , both interventions appear to result in similar improvements in physical activity when duration of the observation is extended to 12 wk The effectiveness of an intervention depends on its dose and on moderators of dose , which usually are not studied . The purpose of the study is to determine whether goal setting and theory-based moderators of goal setting had dose relations with increases in goal -related physical activity during a successful workplace intervention . A  group-r and omized 12-week intervention that included personal goal setting was implemented in fall 2005 , with a multiracial/ethnic sample of employees at 16 geographically diverse worksites . Here , we examined dose-related variables in the cohort of participants ( N = 664 ) from the 8 worksites r and omized to the intervention . Participants in the intervention exceeded 9000 daily pedometer steps  and 300 weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ( MVPA )  during the last 6 weeks of the study , which approximated or exceeded current public health guidelines . Linear growth modeling indicated that participants who set higher goals and sustained higher levels of self-efficacy , commitment and intention about attaining their goals had greater increases in pedometer steps and MVPA . The relation between change in participants ' satisfaction with current physical activity and increases in physical activity was mediated by increases in self-set goals . The results show a dose relation of increased physical activity with changes in goal setting , satisfaction , self-efficacy , commitment and intention , consistent with goal - setting theory Background Lack of physical activity ( PA ) is a known risk factor for many health conditions . The workplace is a setting often used to promote activity and health . We investigated the effectiveness of an intervention on  PA and productivity-related outcomes in an occupational setting . Methods We conducted a r and omized controlled trial of 12 months duration with two 1:1 allocated parallel groups of insurance company employees . Eligibility criteria included permanent employment and absence of any condition that risked the participant ’s health during PA . Subjects in the intervention group monitored their daily PA with an accelerometer , set goals , had access to an online service to help them track their activity levels , and received counseling via telephone or web messages for 12 months . The control group received the results of a fitness test and an information leaflet on PA at the beginning of the study . The intervention ’s aim was to increase PA , improve work productivity , and decrease sickness absence . Primary outcomes were PA ( measured as MET minutes per week ) , work productivity ( quantity and quality of work ; QQ index ) , and sickness absence ( SA ) days at 12 months . Participants were assigned to groups using block r and omization with a computer-generated scheme . The study was not blinded . Results There were 544 r and omized participants , of which 521 were included in the analysis ( 64 % female , mean age 43 years ) . At 12 months , there was no significant difference in physical activity levels between the intervention group ( n = 264 ) and the control group ( n = 257 ) . The adjusted mean difference was −206 MET min/week [ 95 % Bayesian credible interval −540 to 128 ; negative values favor control group ] . There was also no significant difference in the QQ index ( −0.5 [ −4.4 to 3.3 ] ) or SA days ( 0.0 [ −1.2 to 0.9 ] ) . Of secondary outcomes , body weight ( 0.5 kg [ 0.0 to 1.0 ] ) and percentage of body fat ( 0.6 % [ 0.2 % to 1.1 % ] ) were slightly higher in the intervention group . An exploratory subgroup analysis revealed no subgroups in which the intervention affected physical activity . No adverse events were reported . Conclusions The intervention was not found effective , and this study does not provide support for the effectiveness of the workplace PA intervention used here . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov identifier : OBJECTIVES To examine if receiving a pedometer along with an intervention toolkit is associated with increased physical activity , aerobic fitness and better self-rated health among individuals with low levels of physical activity or fitness . METHODS The intervention was nested in the Danish Health Examination Survey ( DANHES ) and carried out in 2008 . Participants were r and omly assigned to either a pedometer group ( n=326 ) or a control group ( n=329 ) . Physical activity , aerobic fitness , and self-rated health were measured at baseline and at 3-month follow-up , and differences were tested by Wilcoxons signed rank tests and Chi-squared tests . RESULTS At follow-up , no significant differences in physical activity , aerobic fitness and self-rated health were found between the groups . However , the oldest participants in the pedometer group reported significantly more walking time compared to the controls ( controls=368 min/week , pedometer group=680 min/week , P=0.05 ) . Among participants who completed the intervention , a significant effect on total walking time was observed ( median difference=225 min/week , P=0.04 ) . CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that receiving a pedometer and along with an intervention toolkit can increase walking time in older individuals , but not in younger individuals . Thus , this type of intervention offers great potential for promoting physical activity in older individuals . TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01071811 OBJECTIVES To determine whether a home-based pedometer-driven walking program with arthritis self-management education ( Walk + ) would increase physical activity , muscle strength , and functional performance in older adults with osteoarthritis ( OA ) of the knee as opposed to arthritis self-management education alone ( EDU ) . DESIGN A r and omized two-by-three ( group-by-time ) design with participants assigned to  Walk + ( n = 17 , mean age + /- st and ard deviation = 69.6 + /- 6.7 ) or EDU ( n = 17 , age = 70.8 + /- 4.7 ) . SETTING Community located in the Baltimore-Washington area . PARTICIPANTS Thirty-four community-dwelling adults , aged 60 and older with symptomatic knee OA and self-reported functional impairment . INTERVENTIONS Both groups received 12 hours of the Arthritis Self-Management program over 12 weeks and were followed for an additional 12 weeks . In addition , the Walk + group received individualized instruction in the use of a pedometer , with the goal of increasing their step count by 30 % of their baseline step count . MEASUREMENTS The outcome measures were physical activity ( daily step counts and total activity vector magnitude as measured by a pedometer and Tritrac-R3D accelerometer ) , quadriceps femoris strength ( isometric peak torque ) , and functional performance tasks ( 100-foot walk-turn-walk , timed stair climb , timed chair rise , and pain status ) . RESULTS Daily steps walked showed a significant group-by-time interaction ( P = .04 ) after controlling for age . From baseline to completion of training , a 23 % increase in daily steps occurred in the Walk + group and a 15 % decrease in the EDU group . Although steps increased in the Walk + group , total activity vector magnitude was maintained , suggesting a more efficient gait . The Walk + group became quicker than the EDU group in the normal-pace walk-turn-walk ( P = .04 ) . An isometric strength gain of 21 % postintervention was seen in the Walk + group , compared with a loss of 3.5 % in the EDU group . CONCLUSION In older adults with symptomatic knee OA , Walk + appears to increase walking , with improvements in muscle strength and walking performance . The use of a home-based pedometer-driven program to increase physical activity , strength , and function in this population warrants further research OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of a socio-cognitive intervention associated with a pedometer-based program on physical activity , cardiovascular risk factors and self-efficacy expectation during one year following an acute coronary syndrome . METHODS Sixty-five subjects were r and omized during hospitalization in an experimental or a usual care group . Average steps/day was measured every 3 months until one year following discharge . Other dependent variables were measured at baseline , 6 and 12 months follow-up . RESULTS There were 32 patients in the experimental group and 33 patients in the usual care group . Group characteristics were comparable . At baseline , averages steps/day were similar between groups ( 5845±3246 vs. 6097±3055 steps/day ; p=0.812 ) . At 3-month follow-up , both groups increased their averages steps/day ( p<0.05 ) . This increase was higher in the experimental group ( 3388±844 vs. 1934±889 steps/day ; p<0.001 ) . At 12-month , interaction effects ( group × time ) in physical activity and waist circumference were different between groups ( p<0.05 ) , whereas self-efficacy expectation increased in both groups similarly ( p<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION The intervention is useful to improve average steps/day and waist circumference during the first year following an acute coronary syndrome . PRACTICE IMPLICATION S This study supports development of the home-based cardiac rehabilitation program using socio-cognitive intervention associated with a pedometer after an acute coronary syndrome Goals of workTo evaluate a 12-week home-based walking intervention among breast cancer survivors and to quantify changes in  physical activity ( PA ) behaviors , body weight , and body composition in response to the intervention . Patients and methods Breast cancer survivors that were in the posttreatment period were r and omized to intervention ( n=23 ) or wait-list usual care ( n=13 ) .  PA was assessed by self-report , and in a study sub sample ( n=23 ) , by an accelerometer . Intention to treat principles were employed to estimate the intervention effect on PA behaviors , body weight , and body composition . Intervention adherence was calculated as the proportion of exercise sessions completed relative to the number of exercise sessions recommended , as reported each week on walking logs . Main results Thirty-four of 36 women r and omized ( 94 % ) completed the study . Average intervention adherence over 12 weeks was 94 % . Intervention participants reported a significantly greater increase in walking for exercise [ + 11.9 metabolic equivalent (MET)-h/week ] over time than did usual care participants ( + 1.7 MET-h/week , p=0.01 ) . Objective measures of activity also indicated that intervention participants increased their activity levels over time as compared to usual care participants [ i.e. , counts/min/day and steps/day ( p≤0.04 ) ] . No significant changes in body weight or composition were observed . Conclusion We found that a 12-week home-based walking intervention was safe and effective for increasing short-term PA levels in breast cancer survivors . Future studies are needed to assess the ability of brief interventions to facilitate the maintenance of increased activity levels and to produce favorable quality of life and risk factor outcomes Voluntary employees ( N = 155 ) from nine different companies were screened by question naire for the study . They were r and omized into three study groups : counseling ( n = 52 ) , counseling + fitness testing ( n = 51 ) and control group ( n = 52 ) . The counseling was based on a goal -oriented conversation session for each participant and three follow-up appointments with an occupational nurse over a period of 1 year . The fitness tests were adapted from the UKK Health-related Fitness Test Battery . The outcome measures were the changes in the amount of leisure-time physical activity ( LTPA ) assessed by diary , pedometer and question naire at baseline and at 6 and 12 month follow-up visits . As a result , no statistically significant differences were detected between the three groups at either of the follow-up visits . It seemed , thus , that the two PA counseling methods implemented had no direct mid- or long-term effects on the LTPA of voluntary employees with no specific disease-related indication to increase LTPA OBJECTIVES We examined the impact of a prenatal exercise intervention on physical activity in 260 women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus . METHODS We r and omized participants in the Behaviors Affecting Baby and You ( BABY ) Study , which took place from 2007 to 2012 , to either a 12-week individually tailored , motivationally matched exercise intervention ( n=132 ) or to a comparison health and wellness intervention ( n=128 ) . We assessed physical activity with the Pregnancy Physical Activity Question naire . We used linear mixed models to evaluate the impact of the interventions on change in physical activity according to intensity and type , total walking , and sedentary behavior . RESULTS Compared with the health and wellness arm , the exercise arm had significantly greater increases in sports or exercise activity ( 0.3 vs 5.3 metabolic equivalent of task [ MET ] hours/week ; P<.001 ) , and smaller declines in total activity ( -42.7 vs -2.1 MET hours/week ; P=.02 ) and activities of moderate to vigorous intensity ( -30.6 vs -10.6 MET hours/week ; P=.05 ) , and was more likely to achieve recommended guidelines for physical activity ( odds ratio=2.12 ; 95 % confidence interval=1.45 , 3.10 ) . CONCLUSIONS These findings extend the previous literature by demonstrating the benefits of a clinical ly feasible exercise intervention in an ethnically and socio-economically diverse population . Given the increased risk of adverse maternal health outcomes in ethnic minority groups , these findings may have important implication s for reducing health disparities OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of a pedometer-based telephone intervention on the physical activity levels of cardiac patients who did not attend a CRP . METHODS A r and omised controlled trial was conducted with 215 patients referred to a CRP but who could not or chose not to attend . The 6-week intervention included self-monitoring of physical activity using a pedometer and step calendar ; and behavioural counselling and goal setting sessions . Data were collected at baseline , 6 weeks and 6 months . RESULTS Study groups did not differ significantly at baseline . After 6 weeks , improvements in total physical activity time ( p=0.027 ) , total physical activity sessions ( p=0.003 ) , walking time ( p=0.013 ) and walking sessions ( p=0.002 ) in the intervention group were significantly greater than the control group after adjusting for baseline differences , and remained significant at 6 months . CONCLUSION The findings that the pedometer-based telephone intervention was successful in increasing physical activity levels in cardiac patients who did not attend a CRP could result in major health benefits for this group of people . PRACTICAL IMPLICATION S The pedometer-based telephone intervention could be offered as an effective and accessible option for patients not attending a CRP to increase and maintain their physical activity levels after hospitalisation PURPOSE In Australia , patient adherence to physical activity after a cardiac rehabilitation program ( CRP ) is poor . This study evaluated the efficacy of a pedometer-based intervention to increase physical activity after CRP . METHODS Patients ( n = 110 ) who had attended a CRP were r and omized into an intervention or a control group . The 6-week intervention included self-monitored physical activity using a pedometer and step calendar and 2 behavioral counseling and goal - setting sessions .  Self-reported physical activity and psychosocial status were collected at baseline , 6 weeks , and 6 months . Participant exercise capacity was measured using a gas exchange analysis system . RESULTS Study groups were not significantly different at baseline , except for occupation . At 6 weeks and 6 months , improvements in total physical activity sessions ( P = .002 and P = .016 , respectively ) , walking minutes ( P = .013 , 6 weeks only ) , and walking sessions ( P < .001 and P = .035 ) in the intervention group were significantly greater than those in the control group after adjusting for baseline differences . At 6 months , total physical activity minutes in the intervention group also increased significantly more than those in the control group ( P = .044 ) . These self-reported behavioral changes were corroborated by improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness at 6 months in the intervention group ( P = .01 ) . There were also significant improvements in psychosocial health at 6 weeks and 6 months in the intervention group . CONCLUSION The pedometer-based intervention was successful in increasing physical activity in cardiac patients after a CRP . This intervention could be given to patients to promote adherence to physical activity guidelines after a CRP , particularly in centers where maintenance programs are not available Background Low physical activity ( PA ) levels which increase the risk of chronic disease are reported by two-thirds of the general UK population . Promotion of PA by primary healthcare professionals is advocated but more evidence is needed regarding effective ways of integrating this within everyday practice . This study aims to explore the feasibility of a r and omised trial of a pedometer-based intervention , using step-count goals , recruiting patients from primary care . Method Patients , aged 35–75 , attending four practice s in socioeconomically deprived areas , were invited to complete a General Practice PA Question naire during routine consultations . Health professionals invited ‘ inactive ’ individuals to a pedometer-based intervention and were r and omly allocated to group 1 ( prescribed a self-determined goal ) or group 2 ( prescribed a specific goal of 2500 steps/day above baseline ) . Both groups kept step-count diaries and received telephone follow-up at 1 , 2 , 6 and 11 weeks . Step counts were reassessed after 12 weeks . Results Of the 2154 patients attending , 192 question naires were completed ( 8.9 % ) . Of these , 83 were classified as ‘ inactive ’ ; 41(10 men ; 31 women ) completed baseline assessment s , with the mean age of participants being 51 years .  Mean baseline step counts were similar in group 1 ( 5685 , SD 2945 ) and group 2 ( 6513 , SD 3350 ) . The mean increase in steps/day was greater in groups 1 than 2 ( ( 2602 , SD 1957 ) vs ( 748 , SD 1997 ) p=0.005 ) . Conclusions A trial of a pedometer-based intervention using self-determined step counts appears feasible in primary care . Pedometers appear acceptable to women , particularly at a perimenopausal age , when it is important to engage in impact loading activities such as walking to maintain bone mineral density . An increase of 2500 steps/day is achievable for inactive patients , but the effectiveness of different approaches to realistic goal - setting warrants further study The Internet can access a large number of consumers in a more cost-effective manner than other information delivery channels . In this pilot study , we assessed whether an online weight reduction program including dietary advice plus exercise ( ED ) was more effective in reducing weight than an exercise-only program ( EX ) > 12 weeks . Participants were r and omized to either the ED or EX group and attended a center for anthropometric measurements and dietary assessment .  Both groups wore a pedometer and set weekly goals to increase daily steps through an interactive Web site . The ED group set weekly dietary goals via the Web site and received tailored e-mail assistance .  Seventy-three participants commenced and 53 ( 73 % ) completed the study [ EX n = 26 ; ED n = 27 ; body mass index-mean ( st and ard deviation ) : 29.7 ( 2.5 ) kg m(-2 ) , age 46.3 ( 10.8 ) ; 21 % male ] . Percent weight changes were EX , 2.1 (0.6)% and ED , 0.9 (0.6)% ( P = 0.15 ) . Both groups increased their daily steps with no difference between groups . Only the ED group significantly reduced their energy intake . Despite a greater fall in energy intake reported by the ED group and a similar increase in physical activity in both groups , setting individual dietary goals did not enhance weight loss OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of a computer-based physical activity program ( Embodied Conversational Agent-ECA ) with that of a pedometer control condition in sedentary older adults . DESIGN Single-blind block-r and omized controlled trial stratified according to clinic site and health literacy status . SETTING Three urban ambulatory care practice s at Boston Medical Center between April 2009 and September 2011 . PARTICIPANTS Older adults ( N = 263 ; mean age 71.3 ; 61 % female ; 63 % African American ; 51 % high school diploma or less ) . INTERVENTION  ECA participants were provided with portable tablet computers with touch screens to use for 2 months and were directed to connect their pedometers to the computer using a data cable and interact with a computer-animated virtual exercise coach daily to discuss walking and to set walking goals . Intervention participants were then given the opportunity to interact with the ECA in a kiosk in their clinic waiting room for the following 10 months . Control participants were given a control pedometer intervention that only tracked step counts for an equivalent period of time . Intervention participants were also provided with pedometers . MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was average daily step count for the 30 days before the 12-month interview . Secondary outcomes were average daily step count for the 30 days before the 2-month interview . Outcomes were also stratified according to health literacy level . RESULTS ECA participants walked significantly more steps than control participants at 2 months ( adjusted mean 4,041 vs 3,499 steps/day , P = .01 ) , but this effect waned by 12 months ( 3,861 vs 3,383 , P = .09 ) . For participants with adequate health literacy , those in the ECA group walked significantly more than controls at both 2 months ( P = .03 ) and 12 months ( P = .02 ) , while those with inadequate health literacy failed to show significant differences between treatment groups at either time point . Intervention participants were highly satisfied with the program . CONCLUSION An automated exercise promotion system deployed from outpatient clinics increased walking among older adults over the short-term . Effective methods for long-term maintenance of behavior change are needed BACKGROUND We were interested in the effects of a physical activity ( PA ) counselling programme in three groups of COPD patients from general practice ( primary care ) , outpatient clinic ( secondary care ) and pulmonary rehabilitation ( PR ) . METHODS In this r and omized controlled trial 155 COPD patients , 102 males , median ( IQR ) age 62 ( 54 - 69 ) y , FEV1predicted 60 ( 40 - 75 ) % were assigned to a 12-weeks ' physical activity counselling programme or usual care .  Physical activity ( pedometer ( Yamax SW200 ) and metabolic equivalents ) , exercise capacity ( 6-min walking distance ) and quality of life ( Chronic Respiratory Question naire and Clinical COPD Question naire ) were assessed at baseline , after three and 15 months . RESULTS A significant difference between the counselling and usual care group in daily steps ( 803 steps , p = 0.001 ) and daily physical activity ( 2214 steps + equivalents , p = 0.001 ) ) from 0 to 3 months was found in the total group , as well as in the outpatient ( 1816 steps , 2616 steps + equivalents , both p = 0.007 ) and PR ( 758 steps , 2151 steps + equivalents , both p = 0.03 ) subgroups . From 0 to 15 months no differences were found in physical activity . However , when patients with baseline physical activity>10,000 steps per day ( n = 8) , who are already sufficiently active , were excluded , a significant long-term effect of the counselling programme on daily physical activity existed in the total group ( p = 0.02 ) . Differences in exercise capacity and quality of life were found only from 0 to 3 months , in the outpatient subgroup . CONCLUSION Our PA counselling programme  effectively enhances PA level in COPD patients after three months . Sedentary patients at baseline still benefit after 15 months . Clinical Trials.gov : registration number NCT00614796 PURPOSE A four-group r and omized controlled trial evaluated the impact of distinct workplace interventions to increase the physical activity ( PA )  and to reduce  anthropometric parameters in middle-age women . METHODS One-hundred and ninety-five women age 40 - 50 yr who were employees from a university hospital and physically inactive at their leisure time were r and omly assigned to one of four groups : minimal treatment comparator ( MTC ; n = 47 ) , pedometer-based individual counseling ( PedIC ; n = 53 ) , pedometer-based group counseling ( PedGC ; n = 48 ) , and aerobic training ( AT ; n = 47 ) . The outcomes were total number of steps ( primary outcome ) , those performed at moderate intensity ( ≥ 110 steps per minute ) , and weight and waist circumference ( secondary outcomes ) . Evaluations were performed at baseline , at the end of a 3-month intervention , and 3 months after that . Data were presented as delta [ ( after 3 months-baseline ) or ( after 6 months-baseline ) ] and 95 % confidence interval . To detect the differences among the groups , a one-way ANOVA and a Holm-Sidak post hoc test was used ( P < 0.05 ) . The Cohen effect size was calculated , and an intention-to-treat approach was performed . RESULTS Only groups using pedometers ( PedIC and PedGC ) increased the total number of steps after 3 months ( P < 0.05 ) ; however , the increase observed in PedGC group ( 1475 steps per day ) was even higher than that in PedIC ( 512 steps per day , P < 0.05 ) with larger effect size ( 1.4 ) . The number of steps performed at moderate intensity also increased only in the PedGC group ( 845 steps per day , P < 0.05 ) . No PA benefit was observed at 6 months . Women su bmi tted to AT did not modify PA daily life activity but reduced anthropometric parameters after 3 and 6 months ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Our results show that in the workplace setting , pedometer-based PA intervention with counseling  is effective increasing daily life number of steps , whereas AT is effective for weight loss OBJECTIVE To investigate whether a 12-week pedometer-based exercise counseling strategy is feasible and effectively enhances daily physical activity in outclinic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD ) patients who do not participate in a rehabilitation program in a controlled way . METHODS 35 outclinic COPD patients ( 21 males , mean age 62 years , GOLD I-III , mean FEV(1)% predicted 64.7 ) were r and omized for a 12-week individual pedometer-based exercise counseling program promoting daily physical activities or usual care .  Daily physical activity ( DigiWalker SW-200 ) , physical fitness , health-related quality of life , self-efficacy , fatigue , depression and motivation to be physically active were assessed before and after the intervention . RESULTS After the intervention , COPD patients in the exercise counseling group showed a significant increase in their mean number of steps/day ( from 7087 to 7872 ) , whereas the usual care group showed a decrease ( from 7539 to 6172 ) . Significant differences favoring the exercise counseling group were demonstrated in arm strength , leg strength , health-related quality of life and intrinsic motivation to be physically active . CONCLUSION Our study shows that a 12-week pedometer-based exercise counseling strategy is feasible and effectively enhances daily physical activity , physical fitness , health-related quality of life and intrinsic motivation in outclinic COPD patients who do not participate in a rehabilitation program . PRACTICE IMPLICATION S The feasibility of our exercise counseling strategy is good and patients were motivated to participate A goal - setting protocol , based on research in goal setting and performance and personal construct theory , was tested for its effect on adherence to a new exercise program . The Goal - setting group ( n = 50 ) had significantly less  dropout ( 30 % ) than the control group ( n = 50 ) ( 74 % ) . The Goal - setting  group also had significantly better attendance ( p<.0001 ) . Suggestions for increasing confidence in findings through further research and practical implication s of using the protocol to improve exercise maintenance across setting s were discussed BACKGROUND Workplaces are important setting s for interventions to increase physical activity , but effects have been modest . PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of Move to Improve , a social-ecologic intervention delivered at the workplace to increase leisure-time physical activity . METHODS A group-r and omized 12-week intervention consisting of organizational action and personal and team goal - setting was implemented in Fall 2005 , with a multi-racial/ethnic sample of 1442 employees at 16 worksites of The Home Depot , Inc. Change in physical activity was analyzed in Fall 2007 using latent growth modeling and latent transition analysis . RESULTS Participants in the intervention had greater increases in moderate and vigorous physical activity and walking compared to participants in a health education control condition . The proportion of participants that met the Healthy People 2010 recommendation for regular participation in either moderate or vigorous physical activity remained near 25 % at control sites during the study but increased to 51 % at intervention sites . During the last 6 weeks of the study , intervention participants exceeded 300 weekly minutes of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and 9000 daily pedometer steps . CONCLUSIONS The results support the feasibility and efficacy of the Move to Improve intervention and the role of goal - setting for attaining increased physical activity levels PURPOSE To compare the effects of an individualized pedometer-driven physical activity ( PA ) intervention with the usual time-based PA recommendations given to patients entering a maintenance cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) program . METHODS A total of 18 subjects entering a maintenance CR program were recruited and completed the study . Subjects were r and omized into pedometer feedback [ PF : n=10 ( 2 women ) , 53.3±8.1 yrs ] and usual care [ UC : n=8 ( 2 women ) , 59.4±9.9 yrs ] groups . New Lifestyles NL-1000 pedometers were used to  monitor ambulatory PA . Subjects in both groups participated in the same maintenance CR program for a total of 8 weeks and all were encouraged to obtain a minimum of 30 - 40 min/d of moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity ( MVPA ) , on days they did not attend CR . Subjects in the PF group were given individualized daily stepcount goals ( increase 10 % of baseline steps/d each week ) for weeks 2 - 8 . Ambulatory PA  was measured with pedometers , recording both total number of steps/d and min/d of MVPA . Measures were obtained during the first week of the maintenance CR program and during the 8th week . Data were also compared between days subjects attended and on days they did not attend . RESULTS By the 8th week of CR , PF subjects increased daily stepcounts by 42 % ( 2,297±1,606 steps/d , P=0.001 ) , with a 36 % increase on CR days ( 2,654±2,089 steps/d , P=0.003 ) and a 45 % increase on days they did not attend CR ( 1,872±2,026 steps/d , P=0.017 ) . There were no changes observed in the UC group . CONCLUSIONS Providing pedometers with individualized stepcount goals to patients entering a CR program was superior to the usual time-based PA recommendations for increasing PA
ABSTRACT Drawing from goal setting theory ( Latham & Locke , 1991 ; Locke & Latham , 2002 ; Locke et al. , 1981 ) , the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of multi-component goal setting interventions for changing  physical activity ( PA ) behaviour .