Preliminary Efficacy and Acceptability of an Online Exercise and Nutrition Workplace Wellness Program: A Brief Report

Abstract

Background Workplace wellness programs (WWP) offer physiological and psychological benefits to employees and financial and productivity benefits to employers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented in-person sessions and has required WWP’s to transition to online platforms. The purpose of this brief report was to assess the preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a mobile version of the Bruin Health Improvement Program (BHIP mobile) WWP. Methods Participants virtually attended (i.e., via Zoom) twice weekly physical activity sessions and a once weekly nutrition seminar for 10-weeks with the option of a 30-minute one-on-one consultation with a registered dietician. Demographics, anthropometric indices, stress, muscular endurance, and aerobic fitness were assessed at baseline and follow-up. All analyses were conducted in SPSS v. 27. Results Twenty-seven participants (96% female) enrolled and 13 (100% female) completed the 10-week program. There were significant reductions in bodyweight ( p < .01) and body mass index ( p < .02) but not stress ( p > .05), and significant increases in muscular endurance ( p < .01) but not aerobic fitness ( p > .05). Overall, BHIP mobile appears to be acceptable to participants but logistical concerns such as inconsistent internet connection was noted as potential downfalls. Conclusions/Applications to Practice Improvements in health outcome among completers of a mobile WWP were promising. Completer feedback highlighted program strengths as the flexibility and comfort of attending exercise sessions and nutrition classes from home. Future versions of the program will allocate resources to improve completion and expand appeal for men and women.

How healthy is your workplace? Testing the effectiveness of occupational health programs: insights from Germany

“…Second, researchers have increasingly examined the effectiveness of digital WHP programs (see, e.g. SantaBarbara et al. , 2022).…”

“…Second, researchers have increasingly examined the effectiveness of digital WHP programs (see, e.g. SantaBarbara et al, 2022). For example, for sports offerings, mobile platforms and online sessions provide flexibility for employees to participate remotely and simultaneously limit the costs for companies in installing onsite training locations (SantaBarbara et al, 2022).…”

“…SantaBarbara et al, 2022). For example, for sports offerings, mobile platforms and online sessions provide flexibility for employees to participate remotely and simultaneously limit the costs for companies in installing onsite training locations (SantaBarbara et al, 2022). Within online activities, gamification principles, which include elements of social connectivity and team competition, can serve as an incentive for employee participation in the long term and offer possibilities to network and communicate with colleagues (Lowensteyn et al, 2019).…”

Change in Daily Steps and Self-efficacy of Online Interactive Exercise Classes for Community-dwelling Older Adults in Japan: A Preliminary Study

“…A review of intervention studies on fall prevention in the community-dwelling older population reported a withdrawal rate of 9.1%-16% and a participation rate of over 80% after a 2-3-month intervention period (Nyman et al, 2012). Moreover, a previous study conducting online interactive exercise sessions for adults aged 25-58 years reported a withdrawal rate of 50% (Santabarbara et al, 2022). An online intervention study of cancer patients an average age of 65 years, reported participation rates of 80% for one-on-one online sessions and 29% for group-based programs (Dennett et al 2021).…”

Effectiveness of a Mobile Wellness Program for Nurses with Rotating Shifts during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Cluster-Randomized Trial

“…Mobile health technology, including wearable activity trackers and smartwatches, might effectively engage shift workers in wellness programs [ 12 ]. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to adjust to life indoors, efforts to reduce the spread of the virus have forced people to adapt to online exercise using Zoom, Instagram, and YouTube [ 14 ]. As various wearable tracking devices and smartwatches have been developed, which can positively influence health behaviors, such as increasing physical activity, research on mobile wellness programs to promote physical activity has been actively conducted [ 15 ].…”