Tracking Stair Usage
If you are thinking about implementing a stairwell intervention in your building, you may want to consider tracking the use of the stairs before, during, and after the renovation phases are complete. Direct observation, video cameras, and infrared sensors have all been used to track stair usage in past interventions and new technologies are being developed. Each method of tracking stair use has its own benefits and limitations. The method you choose may depend on the cost, practicality, and accuracy involved.
What
We Did
Infrared Sensors
For the CDC “StairWELL to Better Health” intervention, infrared beam
sensors were installed to collect baseline data and conduct ongoing data
collection of stair traffic. These proximity sensors were placed at each
of the floors’ stairwell entries and recorded one passage when a person
moved between a transmitter and receiver. Therefore, each trip in a
stairwell involved two passages, one to enter the stairwell and one to
exit. Information from the sensor is downloaded onto a computer and
reports can be generated. Whereas direct observation may be able to
measure whether an individual is going up or coming down a stairwell,
infrared sensors only allow you to track passage through an entrance or
exit. In addition, infrared beams are not able to recognize and separate
individuals from groups of people who may pass through the beam at the
same time. Therefore, passage counts could be underestimated in busy
stairwells.
What You Can Do
Not everyone has the budget (or the need) for Infrared Sensors. We
chose them because we wanted a clear idea how various phases of the
project affected stairwell use. Below are two more possibilities for
tracking stairwell use if you are interested in seeing how your
improvements change use in your building.
Direct Observation
Direct observation is the “low –tech” method to measure stair use. It
simply requires one or more people to watch and record entrance and/or
exit from the stairs. Typically, observers are discreetly located at a
decision point at the foot of the stairs and/or elevators. Observers count
the number of people entering and leaving the stairwell or elevator and
may record demographic information as well as direction of use (entering
or exiting). Direct observation, however, is usually only done over short
time periods (one day to one week) and in short time frames (2–5 hours).
It is not a method that can get continuous tracking information over a
long period of time, however it is a low-cost method that could give you
an idea of the stairwell’s use.
Video Cameras
Similar to direct observation, video cameras also can be used to watch
and count stair traffic. A video camera or multiple cameras are placed at
points of decision for stair and/or elevator use. Recorded data can then
be reviewed at a later point in time. However, this may be a
time-intensive task because it requires watching the hours of recordings
in entirety. Privacy concerns are the biggest limitation of using video
cameras to track stair usage.
In the Future:
Promising Technologies
CDC researchers are exploring innovative technologies for physical activity assessment in a variety of settings.
- "SmartMat": Through a CDC Small Business Innovative Research contract, a technology development company is building and testing the “SmartMat” system for measuring physical activity within controlled areas. Prototypes of the “SmartMat” resemble a plain, industrial carpet that can be placed on the ground in various locations such as a stairwell, an outdoor sidewalk, and an outdoor trail. The mat will accurately count people and other objects (e.g., bicycles) crossing the controlled area and will allow for easy data access through direct computer download, Smartcards, or Palm PCs. Testing is currently underway to determine the feasibility of use in everyday situations.
- Automated Image Monitoring System: Researchers at the University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center have received funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop, field test, and refine a new, automated monitoring system that relies on camera images for tracking physical activity in varying locations including indoor stairwells, paved tracks, and natural surface trails. The sensor will include special features that allow counts of multiple modes of transportation (e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, etc.), compensate for changes in environmental conditions, and capture individuals moving in a group. The system is designed to avoid privacy concerns by tracking an individual but does not identify them.
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
Page last updated: May 22, 2007
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
