Is there evidence that walking groups have health benefits? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess the health benefits of outdoor walking groups.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of walking group interventions examining differences in commonly used physiological, psychological and well-being outcomes between baseline and intervention end.

Data sources

Seven electronic databases, clinical trial registers, grey literature and reference lists in English language up to November 2013.

Eligibility criteria

Adults, group walking outdoors with outcomes directly attributable to the walking intervention.

Results

Forty-two studies were identified involving 1843 participants. There is evidence that walking groups have wide-ranging health benefits. Meta-analysis showed statistically significant reductions in mean difference for systol

SUBMITTER: Hanson S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4453623 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature