Testing a workplace physical activity intervention: a cluster randomized controlled trial
2011

Workplace Physical Activity Intervention Study

Sample size: 1260 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): McEachan Rosemary RC, Lawton Rebecca J, Jackson Cath, Conner Mark, Meads David M, West Robert M

Primary Institution: Yorkshire Quality and Safety Research Group, Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK

Hypothesis

Will the workplace physical activity intervention increase physical activity levels and improve health outcomes among employees?

Conclusion

The study found mixed results, with no significant increase in self-reported physical activity but improvements in systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate.

Supporting Evidence

  • The intervention did not significantly increase self-reported physical activity levels.
  • Significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate were observed.
  • The intervention was not found to be cost-effective.

Takeaway

This study tried to help people be more active at work, but while it didn't get them to exercise more, it did help lower their blood pressure and heart rate.

Methodology

A cluster randomized controlled trial with 1260 participants from 44 UK worksites, measuring physical activity and health outcomes at multiple time points.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias as more active individuals may have volunteered for the study.

Limitations

The intervention did not significantly impact self-reported physical activity, and there were challenges in participant engagement and intervention delivery.

Participant Demographics

Predominantly White-British, married or living with a partner, with children, and in higher socio-economic groups.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI: -3.10 to -0.47 for systolic blood pressure; 95% CI: -3.28 to -0.89 for resting heart rate; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.34 for BMI.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-8-29

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