Effects of a 16-week Worksite Exercise Program on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Fitness Variables

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to assess effectiveness of a 16-week worksite exercise intervention on subjective and objective measures of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and changes in fitness-related variables in employees at a major university. Employees enrolled in either a 16-week, 3d/week exercise Intervention (N= 47, n = 38 females), or a Control group (N = 15, n = 11 females). Groups wore a validated physical activity monitor which provided visual feedback regarding physical activity behavior. Participants completed surveys assessing subjective physical activity and sedentary behavior, and completed fitness testing at weeks 1, 8, and 16. Data were analyzed by group across the three time points using an ANOVA while Pearson’s Correlations assessed change scores pre to post. Both groups met recommended physical activity guidelines, significantly increased cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.01) and abdominal curl-up repetitions (p p = 0.003) in sedentary behavior and a significant increase in push-up repetitions (p ≤ 0.02 for all time points). Changes in sedentary behavior were negatively associated with changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (r = - 0.3, p = 0.04). In conclusion, the worksite exercise program and regular fitness testing improved health behavior for all participants, but greater improvements were achieved in the exercise program group