A Systematic Review of Stair Climbing Interventions

Abstract

Background: Significant health benefits can be obtained by incorporating moderate physical activity into daily life. Since stair climbing is an easily attainable activity, researchers have conducted stair climbing interventions in a range of settings. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a range of stair climbing interventions. Methods: A search strategy using electronic databases was undertaken to identify relevant articles that involved stair climbing interventions. The search strategy returned 5697 articles that yielded 43 eligible studies in 38 articles. Studies were coded independently by two investigators. Findings: Papers included studies at workplaces (11), public transportation stations (11), shopping malls (8), and academic buildings (6). Two papers included multiple intervention settings. Interventions using point-of-decision prompts were more effective than environmental change or education. Most of studies demonstrated an increase in stair use, although only two studies compared individual change of stair climbing. Discussion: Follow-up measures of stair use are needed to evaluate long-term intervention effects. There is a need for evaluation at the individual level and improved external validity is required.