Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

"Step by Step". A feasibility study of a lunchtime walking intervention designed to increase walking, improve mental well-being and work performance in sedentary employees: rationale and study design

Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Loughren, E. A., Duda, J. L., Fox, K. R. and Kinnafick, F.-E. (2010) "Step by Step". A feasibility study of a lunchtime walking intervention designed to increase walking, improve mental well-being and work performance in sedentary employees: rationale and study design. BMC Public Health. 10(578), pp. 1-9. 1471-2458.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Following an extensive recruitment campaign, a 16-week lunchtime intervention to increase walking was implemented with insufficiently physically active University employees to examine programme feasibility and the effects of the programme in increasing walking behaviour, and in improving well-being and work performance. METHODS/DESIGN: A feasibility study in which participants were randomised to an immediate treatment or a delayed treatment control (to start at 10 weeks) group. For the first ten weeks of the intervention, participants took part in three facilitator-led group walks per week each of thirty minutes duration and were challenged to accumulate another sixty minutes of walking during the weekends. In the second phase of the intervention, the organised group walks ceased to be offered and participants were encouraged to self-organise their walks. Motivational principles were employed using contemporary motivational theory. Outcome measures (including self-reported walking, step counts, cardiovascular fitness, general and work-related well-being and work performance) were assessed at baseline, at the end of the 16-week intervention and (for some) four months after the end of the intervention. Process and outcome assessments were also taken throughout, and following, the intervention. DISCUSSION: The results of the intervention will determine the feasibility of implementing a lunchtime walking programme to increase walking behaviour, well-being and performance in sedentary employees. If successful, there is scope to implement definitive trials across a range of worksites with the aim of improving both employee and organisational health.
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD7260 Industrial hygiene. Industrial welfare
Q Science > QP Physiology > QP301 Exercise and sports physiology
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA773 Personal health and hygiene > RA781 Physical fitness. Exercise
Creators: Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C, Loughren, E A, Duda, J L, Fox, K R and Kinnafick, Florence-Emilie
Publisher: BioMed Central
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Health
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Institute of Health and Wellbeing > Centre for Physical Activity and Chronic Disease
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences
Research Centres > Centre for Health Sciences and Services
Research Centres > Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences
Date: 27 September 2010
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 1-9
Journal or Publication Title: BMC Public Health
Volume: 10
Number: 578
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-578
ISSN: 1471-2458
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6210

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