Motivational signage increases physical activity on a college campus.
OBJECTIVE
The authors evaluated whether motivational signage influenced rates of stair use relative to elevator use on a college campus.


METHODS
In March and April 2004, the authors observed students, faculty, staff, and any visitors accessing a college campus building.


METHODS
During Phase I, the authors monitored ascending stair and elevator use at the same time each weekday (Monday-Friday). During Phase II, the authors placed motivational signs encouraging stair use at the bottom of the stairs and outside and inside the elevators. During the third week (Phase III), the authors removed the signs.


RESULTS
The authors observed 18,389 ascending trips during the 3 weeks of the study. Motivational signs significantly contributed to an 18.6% increase in stair use in the second week, which was maintained in the following week.


CONCLUSIONS
The signage intervention successfully enhanced physical activity on a college campus by providing educational health tips that may have served as motivation to choose the stairs.
Ford
M Allison
MA
Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA. ford@olemiss.edu
Torok
Donald
D
D000328:Adult; D004779:Environment Design; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D040241:Social Marketing; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult