News from PHR

Research evaluates Walk to Work interventions

News release from NETSCC, Public Health Research
07 October 2011

A new study funded by the NIHR Public Health Research programme will encourage walking to work through a workplace-based intervention.

Substantial health benefits can be achieved through undertaking 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per day. However, most adults do not achieve this. Walking to work is a free and convenient form of exercise that can, for most, be incorporated into everyday life and play an important role in reaching this target.

Poor physical health can have a huge impact on the demand for NHS services. Therefore, by encouraging a regime of increased physical activity, not only will people reap the benefit of living longer and in better health, but the burden on NHS services could also be reduced.

The research, led by Dr Suzanne Audrey from the University of Bristol, will specifically look at employees who live less than two miles from work and who do not currently walk. The study aims to test changes in the number of employees who walk to work and evaluate the costs and benefits to both employees and employers.

Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and wear accelerometers (small monitors worn around the waist) for seven working days to measure physical activity. They will also be asked to use GPS receivers whilst travelling to and from work to measure the journey and its contribution to overall physical activity. Suitable Walk to Work promoters in each workplace will be trained by experts in the research team about the potential benefits available and how to identify and promote safe walking routes.

Encouragement will be provided to participants through four contact sessions with the Walk to Work promoter over a 10 week period before further questionnaires are administered and a random sample interviewed.

Commenting on the project, Dr Audrey said: "Walking is an easily accessible form of exercise that can be incorporated into most employees' daily routine. By evaluating Walk to Work interventions it will give a clearer picture of benefits for both the employee and employer."

View the project page.