Researchers Say Playing Music In Stairwells May Help Fight Obesity

Friday, June 5, 2009
Melvin Baker - AHN Reporter Shreveport, LA (AHN) - Air conditioning and music in stairwells might encourage people to skip the elevator and could help fight obesity, according to researchers at Louisiana State University.
Changes that would prompt people to use the stairs and promote physical activity are outlined in the June issue of Southern Medical Journal. The authors were led by Dr. Ishak A. Mansi of the LSU Health Sciences Center and his wife Nardine Mansi, an architect.
"Stairs are frequently hidden from entrances, with only small signs denoting their locations, typically in connection to the fire exit," the article states, adding that fire exits are usually not carpeted or air conditioned and are enclosed by heavy doors.
The article recommends several changes in the design of stairs.
* Air condition stairwells and improve lighting * Add music and motivational posters * Widen staircases and shorten the steps
The authors noted that ordinary day-to-day physical activity is responsible for burning the most calories.