Increasing employees’ health by workplace physical activity counseling: the mediating role of step-based physical activity behavior change

Background: This study evaluated the effects of a 3-month workplace physical activity (PA) intervention on employees’ health-related fitness and well-being. Moreover, mediational pathways were examined. Methods: A longitudinal, quasi-experimental trial was evaluated in Belgian employees. The intervention group (IG: n=246) received 3-months individualized, tailored PA counseling, consisting of face-to-face counseling and follow-up e-mail and telephone contacts. The reference group (RG; n=54) received no PA counseling. Outcome measures (assessed at baseline, three months (short-term) and nine months (long-term)) included body composition (BC), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), well-being and step-based PA. Results: With no changes in the RG, the IG showed short-term improvements in BMI (-0.24 kg/m2,P<.001), body fat (-0.88%,P<.001), waist circumference (-1.47 cm,P<.001) and muscle percentage (+0.47%,P<.001). Moreover, with respect to CRF, IG participants improved on perceived exertion, both in the short- (-0.91,P<.001) and long-term (-0.83,P<.001). Furthermore, perceived physical well-being increased in the IG, both in the short- (+0.57,P<.001) and long-term (+0.57,P<.001). The observed intervention effects on BC, perceived exertion and well-being were mediated by (increases in) step-based PA. Conclusions: Workplace PA counseling programs have the potential to enhance employees’ health-related fitness and well-being. Importantly, step-based PA behavior change was found to contribute to the post-intervention improvements.

Jaar van publicatie:2019

BOF-keylabel:ja

IOF-keylabel:ja

BOF-publication weight:1

CSS-citation score:1

Authors from:Higher Education

Toegankelijkheid:Open