Promoting stair climbing in a worksite and public setting: Are footprints enough?

PURPOSE: Evaluating the impact of footprints on stair climbing in different settings. DESIGN: Interrupted time-series design. SETTING: A company (stair/elevator choice) and a mall (stair/escalator choice). SUBJECTS: Employees (n=5,676) and visitors of the mall (n=12,623). INTERVENTION: An intervention comprising three consecutive phases was implemented: (1) footprints leading to the stairs were stuck on the floor, (2) a health message referring to the footprints was introduced, and (3) passers-by were congratulated for their increased stair use. MEASURES: Stair climbing was observed before (i.e. baseline), during and six to thirteen weeks after (i.e. follow-up) the intervention. ANALYSIS: Proportions of stair climbers were compared using χ²-analyses. RESULTS: The footprints resulted in a closely-significant increase in stair climbing in the company (from 27.7% at baseline to 31.2% in phase 1). However, they did not produce any effect in the mall. Introducing a health message yielded an additional 12.4% increase in stair climbing in the company and a significant 11.4% increase in the mall (22.3% in phase 2). Congratulating people did not further increase stair climbing. At follow-up, the proportions of stair climbers dropped but still exceeded baseline. CONCLUSION: Footprints tend to increase stair climbing in a worksite setting with a stair/escalator choice, but not in a public setting with a stair/elevator choice. Adding a meaningful message seems essential to obtain stronger and longer-term effects.status: publishe