Study Results

The Step Up. Step Out! information on this website was developed as part of a research project conducted by researchers at the University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center in partnership with the Sumter County Active Lifestyles coalition. Citizens of Sumter County, South Carolina provided detailed information about their opinions, preferences, and behaviors related to exercise and physical activity.

Based on this information, the Step Up. Step Out! materials were developed to help people become more active on their own. People who participated in the study for 24 weeks increased their level of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity by 40 minutes a day on average, and many of the participants who were overweight at the beginning lost weight. These participants reported benefits from becoming more active, such as increased energy (64%), improved mood (62%), better physical health overall (57%), and increased self-confidence (52%). In describing what they found most helpful about taking part in the program, 93% said that using a pedometer was "somewhat helpful" or "very helpful," while 88% said this about the weekly tips and 86% said this about keeping their exercise diary.