The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
There are a variety of benefits to the use of stairways, as part of physical activity in workplaces, or other settings. These benefits may include a sense of well being and higher energy levels. Below are the measurable benefits that are indicated in research on stair use: CanadaÕs Physical Activity Guide recommends that Canadians accumulate 30-60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Stair climbing is possible in many workplaces and other places, and requires no special equipment in order to participate. Stair climbing can be accumulated across the course of the day, making a significant contribution to 30 minutes of daily physical activity. A significantly lower risk of mortality is indicated in studies where participants climbed more than 55 flights per week. Stair climbing requires about 8-11kcal of energy per minute, which is high compared to other physical activities. Active Stair climbers are more fit and have a higher aerobic capacity. Even two flights of stairs climbed per day can lead to 2.7 kg weight loss over one year. ÊThere is a strong association between stair climbing and bone density, in post-menopausal women. Stair climbing can improve the amount of Ôgood cholesterolÕ in the blood Ð HDL concentrations. Stair climbing increases leg power and may be an important priority in reducing the risk of injury from falls in the elderly. Because stair climbing rates are currently very low, increasing population levels of stair climbing could lead to substantial public health dividends. Because stair climbing is an activity with which we are all familiar, participants have a high level of confidence in their ability to participate in the activity.
