Effectiveness of a multi-level worksite physical activity intervention: Results of Move to Improve

Workplace health interventions have traditionally focused on individual behavior change. However, there is an increasing interest in developing multi-level interventions based on a social-ecological approach to health promotion. This presentation will discuss the results of a randomized trial of a physical activity intervention that used a multi-level approach including organizational actions and goal-based cognitive behavioral modification strategies. Eighteen sites were randomly assigned to the intervention or ‘usual-care' control group. The components of the 12-week intervention included 1) the use of environmental prompts to raise awareness for physical activity, 2) individual and team goal setting, and 3) organizational action aimed to increase managerial support for the intervention. The primary outcome measure was physical activity with secondary outcomes including stages of change and a variety of organizational variables including turnover and presenteeism. Outcome variables were collected at baseline, midpoint and post intervention. Goal setting progress and self-reported physical activity (pedometer steps and minutes) reports were collected bi-weekly. Results of linear growth modeling showed a significant increase in physical activity across time in the intervention group compared to the control group. It appears that goal setting strategies can be effective for increasing physical activity in worksite settings. Practitioners might consider incorporating goal setting strategies in their physical activity programs and establishing organizational supports for physical activity.