title: Walking on prescription: the utility of a pedometer pack for increasing physical activity in primary care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study used a multi-method approach to examine the effectiveness of a pedometer-based intervention delivered by health professionals for increasing walking.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pedometer packs were distributed to 374 patients who undertook a 12-week walking programme. Changes in walking were assessed at three months (using self-reported step-counts [n=139] and questionnaire data [n=104]) and at six months (using patient questionnaire data [n=112]). Qualitative data were collected at both time points to identify underlying mechanisms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 12 weeks patients had increased their step-counts by 4532 steps/day (p<.001) and at six months were achieving 2977 more steps/day (equivalent to around 30 min/day) than at baseline. Over half the patients reported achieving this target on at least 5 days/week. Qualitative data indicated that the pedometer pack was perceived to be most effective when patients were ready to change and when ongoing support was made available.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings support the use of pedometer-based interventions in primary care and suggest that the pedometer pack could lead to sustainable changes in walking. Further investigation, using a randomised controlled trial design, is warranted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Provision of social support and accurate identification of patient readiness to change are important considerations in future implementation of the intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Culture and Arts, University of Strathclyde, 76 Southbrae Drive, Glasgow, G13 1PP, United Kingdom. Jane.McKay@gcal.ac.uk
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McKay
authors.forename: Annemarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lowry
authors.forename: Kenny
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Steele
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ryde
authors.forename: Nanette
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mutrie
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult