The “Urban Walking Metro” an innovative tool to face inactivity and facilitate urban mobility. Study protocol

Background. Global climate change poses a major threat to human health and in the future could offset the health gains achieved over the last 100 years. There is strong evidence that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to the global climate change. At the same time physical inactivity is a serious and unresolved public health concern. Active transportation defined as a Self-propelled and human-powered mean of transport can address both public health challenges simultaneously. Aim of the study is to realize and evaluate the effectiveness of a “Urban walking metro”, an innovative tool to face inactivity and facilitate urban mobility which consists of circular routes structured within the urban fabric of the city on safe streets. Methods. Access to the study will be facilitated by general practitioners who will urge the patients to an exercise testing session in which will be assessed: (a) CRF through a 1-km moderate intensity treadmill test (b) Anxiety, depression and quality of life trough validated questionnaire (c) CO2 emissions saved using walking as a means of transport. After each exercise testing session, participants will be encouraged to walk on the Urban Walking Metro for at least 150 minutes per week maintaining the speed experienced during the walking test. Following evaluations will be carried out before the start of the walking program and subsequently at 3,6,9 and 12 months. Expected results It is likely to believe that participation in walking activities, preferably carried out in groups, induces individuals to maintain an active lifestyle with potential benefit both for physical and mental health and therefore to a lower use of motorized means of transport that will result in a reduction in CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases responsible for air pollution and global warming.