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Abstract
Because physical activity plays a critical role in the reduction of chronic diseases,1 assessment of the impact of unique efforts such as this campaign to change physical activity levels provides important information that can be incorporated into future interventions. Data regarding the impact of the publicity surrounding the campaign on pedometer use were collected from an ongoing representative survey that monitors physical activity in the Canadian population.4 Despite the limited national publicity that accompanied the campaign,5 a 6% increase in those who had heard about Canada on the Move occurred after the campaign's initiation, and recall of the more specific message of "add 2,000 steps" increased three-fold.6 Awareness of pedometers increased from approximately 40% before the campaign to a maximum of almost 65% over the course of the campaign, and pedometer ownership increased by almost three-fold, both because of pedometer purchase and cereal box distribution.