There has been little research on the impact of environmental factors on physical activity in low-income communities of color. However, stairwell enhancements and signs that encourage stair usage are among the few proven environmental interventions that may be easily implemented in low-resource settings. The purpose of this project was to conduct a pilot study for a culturally targeted social marketing campaign promoting stair use and other physical activities in the Los Angeles CalTrans building, where innovative stair design and restricted elevator access was implemented. Results from the social marketing campaign were compared with the effects of the stairwell enhancements and restricted elevator access on physical activity levels of staff members. Dr. Yancey’s project was an extension of the Active Living Research grant Increasing Physical Activity Through Innovative Stair Design: Evaluating Skip-Stop Elevators Combined with Spacious Stairs, by Dr. Craig Zimring. Items in the social marketing campaign included staff recognitions, stair poster prompts and riser banners, pedometers, daily physical activity breaks, and a promotional website.
