Volunteers needed to put best foot forward

13 May 2013 Researchers at The University of Manchester are looking for volunteers from across the North West to take part in a new study to help people act on their good intentions to walk more. Studies show that despite many people wanting to increase their physical activity levels, they often fail to do so by not thinking through exactly how they are going to fit it into their busy lives. The University's Health Psychology team from the School of Psychological Sciences are looking for adults (aged 18-65 years) to receive techniques to encourage people to start and continue a regular programme of walking. Professor David French, who is leading the study, said: "Many of us are full of good intentions to increase our physical activity, but somehow those good intentions fall by the wayside. "Most people understand the benefits that increasing their physical activity can bring to them both physically and psychologically, but there is a gap between their "good intentions” and the reality of their daily lives. Our previous research has been successful in helping people bring that gap. "In two previous studies in Birmingham and London, our participants have managed to increase the amount of walking they do by an average of 60%.