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Archives of Public Health
Published in: Archives of Public Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Promoting workplace stair climbing: sometimes, not interfering is the best

Authors: Andreas Åvitsland, Ane Kristiansen Solbraa, Amund Riiser

Published in: Archives of Public Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Stair climbing is a vigorous activity and can lead to several health benefits. Studies seeking to increase stair climbing in various public locations have shown positive effects, while results from similar studies conducted in the workplace are inconclusive. This study examined stair climbing in the workplace, and monitored effects from a single- and a combined intervention. Interventions were inspired by nudging, the libertarian method of influencing behavior.

Methods

By quasi-experimental design, stair- and elevator traffic in two office buildings was monitored preceding-, during- and following interventions with stair leading footprints alone, and combined with stair-riser banners. Chi square tests were applied to determine differences between baseline and the subsequent periods. Web-based questionnaires were distributed after follow-up period.

Results

Elevators and stairs were used 45 237 times, of which 89.6% was stair use. Intervention site stair climbing at baseline (79.0%) was significantly reduced with footprints (-5.1%, p < 0.001), and footprints with stair-riser banners (-5.7%, p < 0.001) while baseline stair climbing at the control site (94.2%) remained stable (p > 0.027).

Conclusions

Stair climbing was significantly reduced during the intervention periods. Use of stair leading footprints alone, or combined with stair-riser banners in an attempt to influence stair climbing may be ineffective, or cause a negative reaction, when applied in a workplace with a pre-existing high amount of stair climbing.
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Metadata
Title
Promoting workplace stair climbing: sometimes, not interfering is the best
Authors
Andreas Åvitsland
Ane Kristiansen Solbraa
Amund Riiser
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Archives of Public Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2049-3258
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-016-0170-8

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