Influence of COVID-19 Building Restrictions on Physical Activity Promotion Through Increased Stair Use and Limited Elevator Access: A Quasi-Experimental Study—Sport and Physical Activity Group Active Campus Project

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of UK Government Covid-19 safe offices policy to increase stair-use in a higher education setting during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods: Automated counts at three Ground Floor staircases and the elevator entrances were used to estimate stair to elevator use ratio for ascent and descent from/to the Ground Floor of a University building at Baseline (January to March 2020), First and Second Intervention Months (October 2020, November 2020, respectively). Stair promoting signage and a one-way system was implemented, in line with Government policy.
Results: At Baseline, stair to elevator use ratio for ascent from and descent to the Ground Floor was 1.36 ± 0.02 and 1.88 ± 0.02 people, respectively. The ratio significantly increased in the first intervention month to 2.64 ± 0.09 and 3.96 ± 0.22 people for ascent and descent, respectively. However, the ratio decreased between the First and Second Intervention Months to 1.63 ± 0.06 and 3.05 ± 0.52 people for ascent and descent respectively.
Conclusion: UK Government Covid-19 policy was effective at increasing stair use in a higher education setting.