The Effectiveness of an Annual Nationally Delivered Workplace Step Count Challenge on Changing Step Counts: Findings from Four Years of Delivery

Abstract

Paths for All’s 8-week online Workplace Step Count Challenge (SCC) is a flagship program of Scotland’s National Walking Strategy. The aim of this study was to examine changes in step counts throughout the duration of the SCC, across four years of delivery. Participants were those who registered for the 2015–2018 SCCs, and reported demographic data at registration. Participants self-reported their device-measured step count for each day of the SCC. Following data screening, mean daily steps for each week were calculated. Linear mixed models (R nlme procedure), controlling for the within subject nature of the step count measure, were used to explore changes in steps over time. Gender and age group (<45 years; ≥45 years) were entered into a subsequent model. Separate models were created for each year of the SCC and for all years combined. Participants (n = 10,183) were predominantly women (76.8%), aged <45 (54.6%) and ≥45 years. In general, steps increased each week compared to week 1 (p < 0.001), with a significant increase evident at all but seven of 28 data points. Across the four years of SCC, the increase in steps at week 8 compared to week 1 ranged from 506 to 1223 steps per day, making a substantial contribution to the recommended physical activity levels for health. There was no consistent age or gender effect. The findings provide support for the continued investment in such workplace interventions.

Measuring Productivity, Perceived Stress and Work Engagement of a Nationally Delivered Workplace Step Count Challenge

“…Whilst caution should be taken when interpreting change in outcomes as a result of the pre-post study design, there is indication that the Step Count Challenge results in an increase in steps and work-related outcomes; namely stress and productivity. This is supported by previous studies on the Spring Step Count Challenge that also suggest steps counts are increased [35]. Niven et al (2021) reported a mean difference in steps per day of 906 (range 506 to 1223 steps per day) between week 1 and week 8 of the Step Count Challenge across four years of intervention delivery and 10,183 participants.…”

“…This is supported by previous studies on the Spring Step Count Challenge that also suggest steps counts are increased [35]. Niven et al (2021) reported a mean difference in steps per day of 906 (range 506 to 1223 steps per day) between week 1 and week 8 of the Step Count Challenge across four years of intervention delivery and 10,183 participants. This is a smaller increase than the current study where the mean difference in steps was 3374 between research baseline and week 4, although is similar to the difference between week 1 and week 4 in the current study (1058 steps).…”

“…Another limitation is the high step count of the participants at baseline (which were nearing 10,000 steps per day) and the high percentage of female participants. Given that the baseline step counts and gender split for this study is similar to the report for the national data [35], it is likely that these are considerations not only for research but for the Step Count Challenge itself. Using strategies to engage more men and less active employees in such interventions should be a key target of future challenges.…”

Walking Engagement in Mexican Americans Who Participated in a Community-Wide Step Challenge in El Paso, TX

“…While participants who were not engaging in 7000 steps at the outset of the challenge did not, on average, reach that milestone, they did substantially improve their steps and maintained this for at least 6 months. Step challenges have been tested in a number of different contexts, including community, school, and employer settings [ 29 , 53 , 54 ]. In general, these challenges have led to meaningful weight loss, improvements in mental health, a reduction in sedentary time, and increased likelihood of meeting recommended daily physical activity levels [ 27 , 54 , 55 , 56 ].…”

“…Step challenges have been tested in a number of different contexts, including community, school, and employer settings [ 29 , 53 , 54 ]. In general, these challenges have led to meaningful weight loss, improvements in mental health, a reduction in sedentary time, and increased likelihood of meeting recommended daily physical activity levels [ 27 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Although the majority of studies have not included Latinx groups, there is a burgeoning body of literature suggesting that walking challenges are effective in increasing physical activity engagement and a promising approach for improving physical activity engagement in this population [ 57 ].…”