title: Mall walking as a physical activity option: results of a pilot project.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and benefits (fitness and quality of life) of an 8-week mall-walking program. A total of 52 participants ( n = 39 at post-testing) took part in the pilot project (mean age = 66.4; range 46-83 years), with an overall attendance rate of 62.4 per cent. Participants self-selected pace, time, and frequency. Fitness measures, physical activity behaviour, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-program. Results indicate a significant improvement in physical activity behaviour and most fitness indices. No quality-of-life changes were found, likely due to the above-norm values at baseline. Overall, this pilot project supports the feasibility of and positive health improvements associated with a mall-walking program. Such programs should be considered as part of health-promotion programs, especially for the aging population.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada. nculosre@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: S Nicole
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Culos-Reed
authors.forename: Lynette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stephenson
authors.forename: Patricia K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Doyle-Baker
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Dickinson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D016138:Walking