Short-Term Efficacy of a "Sit Less, Walk More" Workplace Intervention on Improving Cardiometabolic Health and Work Productivity in Office Workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2017 Mar;59(3):327-334. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000955.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the short-term efficacy of the Sit Less, Walk More (SLWM) workplace intervention.

Methods: This was a quasi-experimental design. A total of 99 office workers from two workplaces participated in this study. The 12-week intervention included five components: monthly newsletters, motivational tools, pedometer challenge, environmental prompts, and walking route. The comparison group received monthly newsletters only.

Results: Generalized estimating equation analyses showed that the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in weight (P = 0.029), waist circumference (P = 0.038), diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), walking (P < 0.001), moderate-intensity physical activity (P = 0.014), and total physical activity (P = 0.003) relative to the comparison group. A significant improvement in lost-productivity was observed in both groups (P = 0.003 to 0.008).

Conclusions: The SLWM workplace intervention can improve worker health and lost-productivity.

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Weight
  • Efficiency
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Newspapers as Topic
  • Occupational Health*
  • Physical Exertion
  • Program Evaluation
  • Time Factors
  • Waist Circumference
  • Walking / physiology*
  • Workplace*