Researchers from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre found that weekly walking time in Scotland has increased, helping many meet the UK’s physical activity guidelines, although inequalities persist. A healthier trend emergesPeople who walk at a brisk or fast pace have, on average, increased their weekly walking time from around two hours to three hours. This trend means that many individuals meet the UK Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity guidelines by walking alone, according to researchers.The study, conducted by a team from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC) based within Moray House School of Education and Sport, used questionnaire data and statistical methods to analyse walking trends among adults in Scotland.The research highlighted differences in walking habits based on economic status, gender and age. Despite the overall rise in walking, disparities remain, with older women from less affluent backgrounds more likely to report minimal walking activity.The findings provide insight into the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting walking in Scotland, such as the National Walking Strategy launched in 2014. This strategy seeks to encourage a walking culture by creating better walking environments and supporting easy, convenient, independent mobility for everyone.‘Walking in the right direction’The research team analysed the walking habits of over 40,000 people aged 16 and older, using data from the Scottish Health Survey collected between 2012 and 2021. The year 2020 was excluded due to the strict lockdown measures in place.Our results suggest that Scotland is walking in the right direction, with the data supporting decades of policy and promotion efforts. The policies do not appear to be exacerbating existing inequalities, but more concentrated efforts will be necessary to narrow them.Dr Tessa StrainChancellor’s Fellow, Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences (ISPEHS)The results showed a steady increase in walking across almost all socio-economic, gender, and age groups during the period studied. Researchers attribute this rise to the accessibility of walking, which requires no special equipment and is low-cost compared to other forms of exercise.Related information:Is Scotland Walking in the Right Direction? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Trends in Walking by Socioeconomic Status MSc Physical Activity for HealthPhysical Activity for Health Research CentreInstitute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences (ISPEHS) Tags Sport and physical activity Research Research centres, groups and networks Publication date 02 Sep, 2024
