title: Systematic review of incidental physical activity community interventions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Increasing incidental physical activity (IPA) such as active transport has substantial public health potential.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This systematic review describes community-based and community-wide IPA interventions and assesses their effectiveness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data sources (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL) were searched along with the reference lists of identified systematic reviews and included articles. Eligibility criteria; 4+ weeks in duration; 20+ participants; community-based or community-wide; stated aim to increase IPA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty three studies were identified from 42 original articles; more than half (60%) aimed to increase stair use compared to escalator and/or lift use; a quarter (23%) aimed to increase active transport; and, 16% to increase playground energy expenditure. More than two-thirds of studies reported a significant increase in IPA. Accurate comparisons between studies were not possible due to substantial heterogeneity in study design. Critical appraisal of studies revealed that the level of bias was moderate-high in most of the studies (77%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to the heterogeneity and bias of included studies, only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of IPA interventions. However, this systematic review provides a timely summary of current evidence that can be used to inform decision-makers in designing IPA interventions in the community.
authors: School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. Electronic address: rebecca.reynolds@unsw.edu.au.
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Reynolds
authors: City of Greater Geelong Council, PO Box 104, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia. Electronic address: SMcKenzie@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: McKenzie
authors: WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia. Electronic address: steven.allender@deakin.edu.au.
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Allender
authors: City of Greater Geelong Council, PO Box 104, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia. Electronic address: KBrown@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
authors: Kirsty
authors: K
authors: Brown
authors: City of Greater Geelong Council, PO Box 104, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia. Electronic address: CFoulkes@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
authors: Chad
authors: C
authors: Foulkes
mesh_terms: D001642:Bicycling; D015444:Exercise; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016138:Walking
keywords: Bicycling; Chronic disease; Health education; Health promotion; Motor activity; Obesity; Walking