Generalised avoidance of lifestyle physical activity in overweight pedestrians: a review of stair usage

Abstract

Objective: Increased stair climbing is a public health target yet the overweight avoid stairs by choosing the escalator more than healthy weight pedestrians. These studies tested for generalised avoidance of stairs by overweight pedestrians. Methods: Following inconclusive evidence in previous workplace studies, new observational data were obtained. Stair and lift choices were coded in seven buildings (N=26,941), when a lift was the alternative to stairs outdoors (N=7,433) and in two further outdoor sites where the alternative was a ramp (N=17,664). Results: In studies reporting effects of demographics (N=197,769), the only study coding weight-status found more stair avoidance by the overweight. In follow-up observational studies, the overweight avoided both stair climbing and descent more frequently than those of healthy weight. Avoidance of stairs generalised to a choice between stairs and a ramp to ascend. In addition, female pedestrians and those carrying large bags avoided stairs more than their comparators. Conclusions: A generalised avoidance of stair usage occurs in overweight pedestrians when an escalator, a lift or a ramp provides an alternative.