RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Meta-Analysis of Pedometer-Based Walking Interventions and Weight Loss
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 69
OP 77
DO 10.1370/afm.761
VO 6
IS 1
A1 Richardson, Caroline R.
A1 Newton, Tiffany L.
A1 Abraham, Jobby J.
A1 Sen, Ananda
A1 Jimbo, Masahito
A1 Swartz, Ann M.
YR 2008
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/6/1/69.abstract
AB PURPOSE Cross-sectional studies show that individuals who walk more tend to be thinner than those who walk less. This does not mean, however, that the association between higher step counts and lower weight is causal or that encouraging sedentary individuals to increase step counts helps them lose weight. METHODS In this meta-analysis, we searched 6 electronic databases and contacted pedometer experts to identify pedometer-based walking studies without a dietary intervention that reported weight change as an outcome. We included randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies published after January 1, 1995, in either English or Japanese, with 5 or more adult participants and at least 1 cohort enrolled in a pedometer-based walking intervention lasting at least 4 weeks. RESULTS Nine studies met the study inclusion criteria. Cohort sample size ranged from 15 to 106, for a total of 307 participants, 73% of whom were women and 27% of whom were men. The duration of the intervention ranged from 4 weeks to 1 year, with a median duration of 16 weeks. The pooled estimate of mean weight change from baseline using a fixed-effects model and combining data from all 9 cohorts was −1.27 kg (95% confidence interval, −1.85 to −0.70 kg). Longer intervention duration was associated with greater weight change. On average, participants lost 0.05 kg per week during the interventions. CONCLUSION Pedometer-based walking programs result in a modest amount of weight loss. Longer programs lead to more weight loss than shorter programs. Annals Journal Club selection—see inside back cover or http://www.annfammed.org/AJC/.