Effects of a Workplace-Based Virtual-Run Intervention Among University Employees.

Apichai Wattanapisit,Phatcharawadee Srirug,Kanittha Eardmak,Wattana Chadakorn,Waluka Amaek,Watcharawat Promma,Satit Khwanchum,Uchane Cheangsan,Narumon Chadakorn

doi:10.3390/ijerph17082745

Apichai Wattanapisit, Phatcharawadee Srirug + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082745

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Abstract

Virtual runs (real running or walking activities using online recording platforms) have been popular in the digital age and could have the potential to promote physical activity (PA) in workplaces. We investigated the effects of a virtual-run intervention (VRI) on PA and body compositions among university employees. A three-phase intervention was conducted over 6 months: 0 (pre-intervention), 1 (during intervention), and 2 (post-intervention). Exercise stages of change were assessed in phases 0 and 2. Body compositions (body weight, body mass index, fat mass, percentage of fat mass, fat-free mass, and percentage of fat-free mass) were assessed in phases 0, 1, and 2. Running and walking times were recorded through a mobile application. Forty-seven participants completed the VRI. The number of participants at the maintenance stage increased from 34.04% in phase 0 (n = 16) to 63.83% in phase 2 (n = 30). None of the changes in body compositions were significant (p > 0.05). The median running and walking time among participants at the maintenance stage was 151.85 (interquartile range, 109.15) min/week. Future research should focus on approaches to improve the efficacy of VRIs and their effects on health outcomes.

Highlights

Physical inactivity or insufficient physical activity (PA) is a global public health challenge [1,2].Worldwide, more than one-fifth of adults are insufficiently physically active [1]
We investigated the effects of a workplace-based virtual-run intervention (VRI) on PA and body compositions among university employees
The total number of university employees recruited was 1213. These university employees were invited to participate in the ‘virtual run program’

Summary

Introduction

Physical inactivity or insufficient physical activity (PA) is a global public health challenge [1,2]. More than one-fifth of adults are insufficiently physically active [1]. One possible reason for physical inactivity is a busy lifestyle and heavy workload [3,4]. University employees are likely to be sedentary, physically inactive, and have a high prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure [7]. Fountaine et al investigated occupational sitting and PA among four categories of university employees (administration, faculty, staff, facilities management) [8]. They showed that most university employees participated in low levels

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