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Mall Walking as a Physical Activity Option: Results of a Pilot Project

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 March 2010

S. Nicole Culos-Reed ,
Lynette Stephenson ,
Patricia K. Doyle-Baker  and
James A. Dickinson
S. Nicole Culos-Reed*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary
Lynette Stephenson
Affiliation:
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary
Patricia K. Doyle-Baker
Affiliation:
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary
James A. Dickinson
Affiliation:
Departments of Family Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary
*
Requests for offprints should be sent to:/Les demandes de tirés-à-part doivent être adressées à: S. Nicole Culos-Reed, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary AB T2N 1N4, ([email protected])
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and benefits (fitness and quality of life) of an 8-week mall-walking program. A total of 52 participants (n = 39at post-testing) took part in the pilot project (mean age = 66.4; range 46–83 years), with an overall attendance rate of 62.4 per cent. Participants self-selected pace, time, and frequency. Fitness measures, physical activity behaviour, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-program. Results indicate a significant improvement in physical activity behaviour and most fitness indices. No quality-of-life changes were found, likely due to the above-norm values at baseline. Overall, this pilot project supports the feasibility of and positive health improvements associated with a mall-walking program. Such programs should be considered as part of health-promotion programs, especially for the aging population.

Résumé

Le but de la présente étude était d'évaluer la faisabilité et les avantages (forme physique et qualité de vie) d'un programme de marche de 8 semaines dans un centre commercial. Quelque 52 participants (n = 39au post-test) ont pris part au projet pilote (de 46 à 83 ans, âge moyen = 66,4 ans), et ont été présents globalement à 62,4 pour cent. Les participants sélectionnaient eux-mêmes la vitesse de marche, le temps, et la fréquence. Les mesures de la forme physique, le comportement lors de l'activité physique, et la qualité de vie ont fait l'objet d'une évaluation et d'un programme subséquent. Les résultats indiquent une amélioration importante du comportement face à l'activité physique et à la plupart des indices de forme physique. Aucune modification de la qualité de vie n'a été constatée, probablement en raison des valeurs de référence au-dessus de la norme. Globalement, ce projet pilote soutient la faisabilité et les améliorations positives de la santé associées au programme de marche dans un centre commercial. Ces programmes devraient faire partie des programmes de promotion de la santé, et plus particulièrement pour la population vieillissante.

Keywords

vieillissementpersonnes âgéesactivité physiquemarcheprogrammes communautairesagingelderlyphysical activitywalkingcommunity-based programs
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 27 , Issue 1 , Spring/Printemps 2008 , pp. 81 - 87
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2008

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