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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Point-of-decision prompts to increase stair use: A systematic review

Robin E. Soler, PhD, Guide to Community Preventive Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy., Mailstop K-95, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-8177, dqx4@cdc.gov and Kimberly D. Leeks, MPH, Guide to Community Preventive Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy., Mailstop K95, Atlanta, GA 30341.

An updated systematic review of the literature to assess the effectiveness of point-of-decision prompts for increasing the use of stairs was conducted for The Guide to Community Preventive Services (Community Guide). The initial Community Guide review was completed in 2000. We modified the conceptual approach to this review, conducted an expanded and updated search for evidence, and reevaluated the body of evidence. Thirteen peer-reviewed studies which met specified quality criteria and included evaluation outcomes of interest were included in the updated review. These papers evaluated two interventions: point-of-decision prompts, and stair or stairwell enhancements when combined with point-of-decision prompts. For point-of-decision prompts, 23 study arms from 12 studies provided measurements of change in the use of stairs. The median estimated change in stair use was an increase of 2.4 percentage points (inter-quartile range: +1 to +6.2). For the evaluation of enhancements to stairs or stairwells when combined with point-of-decision prompts, only two studies provided measurements of change in stair use. According to the Community Guide rules of evidence, there is strong evidence on the effectiveness of point-of-decision prompts in increasing the use of stairs. There is insufficient evidence, due to an inadequate number of studies, to determine whether or not enhancements to stairs or stairwells are an effective addition to point-of-decision prompts.

Learning Objectives: After the conclusion of this session participants will

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Physical Activity

Related Web page: www.thecommunityguide.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Environmental, Community and Behavioral Approaches to Improve Health

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA