Mixed methods analysis of eighteen worksite policies, programs, and environments for physical activity

Abstract

BackgroundThis study examined whether specific worksite supports for physical activity (PA) were associated with total and domain-specific PA.MethodsA cross-sectional, telephone-based study was conducted in four Missouri, USA, metropolitan areas in 2012 and 2013. Outcome variables included total PA and sub-domains (leisure, work, travel) measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Logistic regression determined odds of meeting PA recommendations, given access to and use of 18 unique PA worksite supports. A subsample of 119 participants also wore hip accelerometry for seven consecutive days and maintained a wear-time diary. Access to worksite supports were associated with odds of meeting objective moderate and vigorous (MV) PA above 150 min per week.ResultsAmong 2013 survey participants, meeting PA recommendations while performing work-related tasks was significantly associated with several supports (e.g., walking maps, stair prompts), as was meeting recommendations during travel (e.g., flextime for PA, incentives for public transportation, walking/bicycling to work). Access to 11 worksite supports increased odds of meeting PA recommendations through leisure-time PA; five supports were associated with total PA. There were significant differences between access to and use of supports. Using objective MVPA, access to worksite challenges and bike storage were significantly associated with five and three times greater odds of meeting 150 min of MVPA per week, respectively.ConclusionsWorksite wellness plans are increasing across the US and employers are eager for evidence-based supports for increasing PA. This study provides insights into the utility of multiple worksite supports for PA to increase odds that employees meet PA recommendations.

A qualitative study of facilitators and barriers to implementing worksite policies that support physical activity

“…Businesses reported wanting more guidance and tools to conduct evaluation beyond just employee satisfaction surveys, especially small businesses and non-profits. Employers desire evidence-based supports for increasing PA [ 14 ]. The type of incentives used is important to increasing PA.…”

“…Incentives that are provided for activities that increase PA, such as an incentive for using public transportation, should be utilized. Multiple worksite supports for PA have been shown to increase the odds that employees meet PA recommendations [ 14 ].…”

“…Businesses should evaluate their PA initiatives and use the data to guide future policy and program development and implementation [ 22 ]. Demonstrating a potential return on investment has also been recognized in prior studies as a key factor to support workplace initiatives that support PA [ 14 ]. Individuals included in this research emphasized that having data on ROI could convince business leaders of the impact PA policies and programs can have on their bottom line.…”

“…Facilitators, such as policies that define times in which employees can be physically active during the workday are also correlated with PA [ 13 ]. A mixed-methods telephone-based study conducted in four metropolitan areas found that access to 11 worksite supports, such as incentives for walking and/or bicycling to work and access to an indoor exercise facility, increased the odds of meeting PA recommendations through leisure-time PA [ 14 ]. While these data provide guidance on the types of workplace strategies to implement, there are clear gaps in the literature regarding implementation, beyond questions about reach and participation.…”

Physical activity benefits of attending a senior center depend largely on age and gender: a study using GPS and accelerometry data

“…Exercise at advanced ages is important to maintain physical fitness, and it can promote mobility, prevent falls and also provide access to opportunities that help personal independence [1]. Physical activity (PA) is considered a key part of maintaining quality of life and successful aging [2] as there is abundant evidence that individuals who engage in higher levels of PA tend to have higher health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores [3], and better physical health [4][5][6].…”