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The Use of Point-of-Decision Prompts to Increase Stair Climbing in Singapore

Author

Listed:
  • Robert Alan Sloan

    (Physical Activity Center of Excellence, Health Promotion Board, 3 Second Hospital Ave, S168937, Singapore)

  • Benjamin Adam Haaland

    (Center for Quantitative Medicine, Office of Clinical Science, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, S169857, Singapore
    Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, National University of Singapore, S169857, Singapore)

  • Carol Leung

    (Physical Activity Center of Excellence, Health Promotion Board, 3 Second Hospital Ave, S168937, Singapore)

  • Falk Müller-Riemenschneider

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, S117597, Singapore
    Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics–Charité University Medical Center Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a significant contributor to worldwide mortality and morbidity associated with non-communicable diseases. An excellent avenue to incorporate lifestyle physical activity into regular routine is to encourage the use of stairs during daily commutes. We evaluated the effectiveness of point-of-decision prompts (PODPs) in promoting the use of stairs instead of the escalators in a Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. We measured the number of stair climbers before the PODPs were put up, during the 4 weeks that they were in use, and 2 weeks after they were removed. Measurements at a no intervention control site were additionally taken. The use of stair-riser banners was associated with an increase in the number of people using the stairs by a factor of 1.49 (95% CI 1.34–1.64). After the banners were removed, the number of stair climbers at the experimental station dropped to slightly below baseline levels. The Singapore MRT serves a diverse multi-ethnic population with an average daily ridership of over 2 million and 88 stations island-wide. An increase of physical activity among these MRT commuters would have a large impact at the population level. Our findings can be translated into part of the national strategy to encourage an active lifestyle in Singaporeans.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Alan Sloan & Benjamin Adam Haaland & Carol Leung & Falk Müller-Riemenschneider, 2013. "The Use of Point-of-Decision Prompts to Increase Stair Climbing in Singapore," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:10:y:2013:i:1:p:210-218:d:22636
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Falk Müller-Riemenschneider & Marc Nocon & Thomas Reinhold & Stefan N. Willich, 2010. "Promotion of Physical Activity Using Point-of-Decision Prompts in Berlin Underground Stations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(8), pages 1-8, August.
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