Body Mass Index Correlation Of Adherence To A 12-week Employee Based Walk/run Physical Activity Program

Abstract

Corporate health promotion programs have been shown to contribute to decreased health care expenditures. While it is well established that those who exercise in groups show higher adherence rates than solitary exercisers, it is unclear what other factors influence adherence to physical activity programs. PURPOSE To examine the Body Mass Index as a determinant of adherence in an employee based training program. METHODS 130 employees actively participated in a 12-week walk/run program and also recorded their height and weight. Employees were self-selected into 1 of 5 training groups: Walkers, Run/Walk Beginners, Run/Walk Intermediate, Run/Walk Advanced, or Runners and received a training schedule designed for their group. Employees trained with their group once per week and were given a training log to record both group and independent exercise. RESULTS There was a 59% adherence rate for all participants. Significant (p < 0.05) differences in adherence rates were found between participants based on BMI. Participants with a BMI under 25 (normal) had a 66% adherence rate, participants with a BMI between 26–30 (overweight) recorded a 58% adherence rate, and participants with a BMI above 30 (obese) recorded a 54% adherence rate. CONCLUSION Employees with an elevated BMI are less likely to adhere to a prescribed exercise program. This suggests that special programming should be developed to increase adherence in overweight and/or obese individuals.