Adherence
Interventions promoting walking in groups significantly increase physical activity in adults, with a medium overall effect size (d = 0.52).
Join a local walking group. Look for groups that offer flexible times and durations, and consider starting with shorter walks (e.g., 10-20 minutes) and gradually increasing. The social aspect is key to maintaining the habit, so choose a group that feels welcoming.
The meta-analysis of 19 studies with 4 572 participants showed that interventions to promote walking in groups are efficacious at increasing physical activity. The overall effect was of medium size (d = 0.52, p < 0.001)
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 19 studies with large fail-safe N, though heterogeneity is noted and objective measures were limited.
Source
Do interventions to promote walking in groups increase physical activity? A meta-analysis
Aikaterini Kassavou et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2013
DOI 10.1186/1479-5868-10-18
More from this paper
- Walking group interventions targeting both genders are more effective at increasing physical activity than those targeting only women.Good
- Walking group interventions targeting older adults (>61 years) are more effective at increasing physical activity than those targeting younger adults (≤60 years).Good
- Walking group interventions delivered by lay people are as effective as those delivered by professionals.Good
Related findings · Adherence
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- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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