Abstract
BackgroundIn New Zealand, meat processing populations face many health problems as a result of the nature of work in meat processing industries. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a pedometer-based intervention to increase physical activity and improve health-related outcomes in a population of meat processing workers.MethodsA single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. A convenience sample of meat workers (n = 58; mean age 41.0 years; range: 18-65) participated in the trial. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Intervention participants (n = 29) utilized a pedometer to self monitor their activity, whilst undertaking a brief intervention, and educational material. Control participants (n = 29) received educational material only. The primary outcomes of ambulatory activity, and health-related quality of life, were evaluated at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention and three months post-intervention.ResultsFifty three participants completed the program (91.3% adherence). Adherence with the intervention group was high, 93% (n = 27/29), and this group increased their mean daily step count from 5993 to 9792 steps per day, while the control group steps changed from 5788 to 6551 steps per day from baseline. This increase in step counts remained significant within the intervention group p < 0.005; at three months post-intervention representing a 59% increase over baseline scores. There were significant group changes with large effect sizes for step count change (d = 1.94) and self-reported physical activity (p < 0.005; d = 2.59) at 12 weeks intervention. Further, results showed non-significant between-group differences in physical component (PCS) and mental component (MCS) scores (PCS: p = 0.44; MGD = 0.99, 95% CI, -1.6 to 3.6; ES = 0.14, and MCS: p = 0.90, MGD = 0.15; 95% CI, -2.3 to 2.6, ES = 0.022) at 12 weeks intervention.ConclusionsThis research provides important information for a larger (RCT) in the future: results demonstrated that a pedometer-driven walking intervention in combination with goal setting, and self-monitoring supported by weekly e-mails are feasible and potentially effective in increasing step count within the workplace setting over the short term.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12613000087752.
Highlights
In New Zealand, meat processing populations face many health problems as a result of the nature of work in meat processing industries
The results show some evidence that workplace physical activity interventions can be efficacious in promoting physical activity when compared to control groups receiving no intervention
The primary aims of this study were to examine the feasibility of using a pedometer-based walking intervention, incorporating a brief intervention, along with educational material and email support to increase ambulatory activity and improve health-related outcomes in a population of meat processing workers when compared to a control group receiving educational material alone
Summary
In New Zealand, meat processing populations face many health problems as a result of the nature of work in meat processing industries. Moderate physical activity from walking is considered beneficial in the prevention and management of various chronic diseases including: obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), and cardiovascular disease [2,3,4], and is associated with a reduction in premature mortality and improvement in quality of life [5] Despite such evidence, more than 31% of adults do not take part in recommended levels of physical activity [6,7] leading to potential increases in health risks related to insufficient physical activity, and a likely increased economic burden on the health care system. Meat-processing workers in NZ are an ageing population [13] with consequential health-related issues consistent with an ageing workforce, a sedentary lifestyle, and chronic disease that include obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiopulmonary problems [13,14,15]
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