E-technology and Pedometer Walking Program to Increase Physical Activity at Work

Abstract

This study examined the application of the transtheoretical model (TTM) as a means to increase physical activity at the worksite through the introduction of a 10-week pedometer walking program combined with internet-based motivational messages. Participants (N = 206) were employees of two worksites who completed a health history questionnaire and assessment based on the TTM. There were significant improvements in the number of steps per week, level of physical activity, movement through stage of change and other health related indicators (p < 0.05). The worksite pedometer walking program and e-technology may be effective interventions in improving the lifestyle of employees who might be at risk for developing chronic diseases. Editors' Strategic Implications: Because walking is an inexpensive, easy, and convenient form of physical activity for many adults, implementation of this type of workplace program--with the important element of increasing individuals' awareness of risks--could be an effective approach to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and manage overweight and obesity in sedentary adults. Future research should compare this simple model with more individualized (but often more expensive) programs.

Interventions to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity during productive work: a systematic review

“…Direct comparison of our results with those in the cited reviews is discouraged due to our decision to focus only on interventions that could be implemented during productive work, with the intention to change the behavior of the individual while working. Notably, the six multi-component PA interventions included in our review (52,70,72,(74)(75)(76) were not more effective than the interventions with individualized initiatives only (69,73,77).…”

“…Direct comparison of our results with those in the cited reviews is discouraged due to our decision to focus only on interventions that could be implemented during productive work, with the intention to change the behavior of the individual while working. Notably, the six multi-component PA interventions included in our review (52,70,72,(74)(75)(76) were not more effective than the interventions with individualized initiatives only (69,73,77).As for SB, three out of six studies included components specifically targeting a reduction of SB (71,74,77), and only two found a significant effect (71,77). In a review of interventions specifically targeting PA, Chau et al (34) argued that PA interventions do not necessarily reduce SB.…”

Self-regulation and physical activity in WKU employees

“…Previous research on selfmonitoring and stage of change has shown an increase in stage of change as selfmonitoring behavior increases. A popular form of self-monitoring, pedometer use, has been used in walking interventions where pedometer users successfully reached a higher stage of change from pre to post intervention (Faghri et al, 2008;Myers, Ronero, Anzaldua, & Trinidad, 2011). Another possibility is that self-monitoring is useful for people in earlier stages of change (i.e., precontemplation and contemplation) and less useful as activity increases.…”

Effect of an intervention based on socio-ecological model in promoting physical activity of female employees

“…As an outcome of the health, physical activity also has a significant effect in creating healthy living, safety, and mental and social welfare for the people and societies. The establishment of a healthy and happy society needs the effort of healthy, efficient, and intellectual labor forces [4]. Due to importance of the regular physical activity in creating and maintaining the health, this behavior has been listed as one of the 15 priorities to change the health recovery behavior.…”

“…Due to importance of the regular physical activity in creating and maintaining the health, this behavior has been listed as one of the 15 priorities to change the health recovery behavior. Furthermore, scientific observations have shown that the physical activity can be very influential in health in all ages [2][3][4]. According to results of 27 meta-analysis conducted by the world health organization, regular physical activity can be very effective in reducing 35-55% of cardiac infarction cases and it can also decrease the rate of mortality.…”