Investigating the effect of a 3-month workplace-based pedometer-driven walking programme on health-related quality of life in meat processing workers: a feasibility study within a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundIn New Zealand, meat processing populations face many health problems as a result of the nature of work in meat processing industries. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a pedometer-based intervention to increase physical activity and improve health-related outcomes in a population of meat processing workers.MethodsA single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. A convenience sample of meat workers (n = 58; mean age 41.0 years; range: 18-65) participated in the trial. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Intervention participants (n = 29) utilized a pedometer to self monitor their activity, whilst undertaking a brief intervention, and educational material. Control participants (n = 29) received educational material only. The primary outcomes of ambulatory activity, and health-related quality of life, were evaluated at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention and three months post-intervention.ResultsFifty three participants completed the program (91.3% adherence). Adherence with the intervention group was high, 93% (n = 27/29), and this group increased their mean daily step count from 5993 to 9792 steps per day, while the control group steps changed from 5788 to 6551 steps per day from baseline. This increase in step counts remained significant within the intervention group p < 0.005; at three months post-intervention representing a 59% increase over baseline scores. There were significant group changes with large effect sizes for step count change (d = 1.94) and self-reported physical activity (p < 0.005; d = 2.59) at 12 weeks intervention. Further, results showed non-significant between-group differences in physical component (PCS) and mental component (MCS) scores (PCS: p = 0.44; MGD = 0.99, 95% CI, -1.6 to 3.6; ES = 0.14, and MCS: p = 0.90, MGD = 0.15; 95% CI, -2.3 to 2.6, ES = 0.022) at 12 weeks intervention.ConclusionsThis research provides important information for a larger (RCT) in the future: results demonstrated that a pedometer-driven walking intervention in combination with goal setting, and self-monitoring supported by weekly e-mails are feasible and potentially effective in increasing step count within the workplace setting over the short term.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12613000087752.

The Use of Wearable Activity Trackers Among Older Adults: Focus Group Study of Tracker Perceptions, Motivators, and Barriers in the Maintenance Stage of Behavior Change (Preprint)

“…For example, participants in our study saw the benefits of physical activity awareness via self-monitoring and goal-setting. This mirrors the results of a randomized controlled trial that found an intervention based on self-monitoring to be effective in increasing physical activity [38]. Furthermore, we found that non-users expected WATs to track diverse activities and were disappointed that the technology did not do it.…”

Behavior Change with Fitness Technology in Sedentary Adults: A Review of the Evidence for Increasing Physical Activity

“…The intervention group showed a significant increase in steps at 3 months and significant decreases in BMI, body fat, and waist circumference. Importantly, these results remained significant 3 months after the completion of the intervention (38). Of note, these effects may have been due to other behavior change elements in addition to goal setting.…”

“…A recent randomized controlled trial used self-monitoring and goal setting to increase steps over 3 months (38). Half of the participants were asked to use a pedometer to self-monitor their walking, with goals of increasing their steps by 5% weekly.…”

Psychosocial correlates of physical activity levels in individuals at risk of developing diabetes mellitus: A feasibility study

“…In this study, average ESE scores are higher when compared to a similar New Zealand age group cohort (Mansi et al 2015). It should be noted, however, that the referenced cohort, unlike those in our study, was derived from a rural community as a part of a pedometer-driven walking programme (Mansi et al 2015).…”

“…It should be noted, however, that the referenced cohort, unlike those in our study, was derived from a rural community as a part of a pedometer-driven walking programme (Mansi et al 2015). Substantial literature supports that higher self-efficacy beliefs are associated with positive health behaviours including initiation and adherence to exercise (Delahanty et al 2006, Kosma et al 2004, McAuley 1993.…”