Wilson publishes on pedometers in Br J Sport Med
Dr Ron Wilson and colleagues Linda Trinh, Heather MacLeod Williams, Alison J. Sum, and Patti-Jean Naylor have recently published the article “Physicians promoting physical activity using pedometers and community partnerships: A real world trial” in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
A 6-week physical activity intervention was delivered to 152 inactive patients who were recruited in physician waiting rooms, counseled by their physicians, provided with a pedometer, and referred to a community action site at their local recreation centre for further support. Physical activity was measured at baseline and follow-up using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
Follow-up interviews were conducted with physicians and recreation representatives on the challenges and benefits associated with the intervention. The authors conclude that a pedometer-based physical activity intervention delivered by physicians in partnership with a community physical activity stakeholder is feasible and warrants further research.
Long-term maintenance of this intervention would require resources for pedometers and ongoing contact and communication between the physicians and community action site to ensure availability of community supports.
The article was published online 31 January 2011. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.069567.
