Abstract
Web-based physical activity programs have the capacity to reach populations where prolonged sitting is a concern. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a university-wide, workplace walking intervention (Walk@Work) targeting sedentary staff. 96 university staff (Mage = 44.0 yrs; MBMI = 29.7 kg/m2) were recruited. All participants received a pedometer and access to an interactive website containing support strategies and a walking program. The program aimed to incrementally increase steps over a 6-week period (Phases I-III), followed by a 4-week maintenance period (Phases IV and V). Primary outcome was change in step counts, which was analyzed using repeated measures ANCOVA. Secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life, and measures of intervention feasibility and acceptability. Descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-test were used to analyze secondary outcomes. Results indicated a significant main effect for phase, F = 4.15, p = .006. Posthoc comparisons revealed higher mean step counts during the maintenance phases (Phase IV: M = 9354, p < .10; Phase V: M = 9591, p = .01) vs. Phase I (M = 8782). Secondary analysis revealed a trend for improved scores on the vitality quality of life subscale, t = -1.96, p = .056. 130 employees expressed interest in the program, 96 registered for the program, and 53 (55%) completed the full 10 weeks. Majority (96%) of participants was female. Overall, Walk@Work was a feasible and effective short-term program for increasing and maintaining workplace walking. Ongoing work will use process evaluations to improve website functionality prior to larger, multi-site trials.Acknowledgments: University of Toronto's Health and Well-Being Programs and Services and the Organizational Development and Learning Centre for their assistance with study recruitment.