257246 Internet-based Physical Activity Interventions at the Worksite: A Systematic Review

Monday, October 29, 2012

Merrill Funk, MS , Dept of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Susan Zacharia, MS , Dept of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Ghadah Alshuwaiyer, PT, MS , Dept of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Shannon Gwin, BS , Dept of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
E. Laurette Taylor, PhD , Dept of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Paul Wesley Branscum, PhD, RD , Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Objective: Physical activity (PA) intervention at the worksite is an appropriate method to increase PA levels in a large number of participants. Currently, little research has addressed the efficacy of providing internet-based PA interventions at worksites. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of internet-based interventions to promote PA in worksites. Methods: A systematic literature search for internet-based PAworksite interventions was conducted using Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, ERIC, PubMed Central, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus from 2005 to 2011. Results: A total of nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Only three studies were found to be effective in significantly increasing PA level in the internet group compared to the control group. One study used an objective measure to assess the amount of PA using a pedometer, along with self-report. The remaining studies either used single or multiple subjective measures of PA. The shortest intervention duration was 30 days and the longest was 12 months. Only two studies reported using process evaluation methods and almost all used validated tools for measuring PA level. Retention rates ranged from 48.6% to 87%. Conclusions: There was limited evidence that internet-based PA interventions in worksites are more effective than traditional methods. Future interventions should focus on creating efficient internet-based programs specifically tailored to each worksite with properly defined control groups. They should lengthen intervention time and use objective PA outcome measures. More cost-effective studies are needed to establish a better understanding of internet-based delivery methods when compared to conventional delivery methods.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Occupational health and safety
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based worksite physical activity intervention. 2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of internet-based interventions aimed at physical activity promotion in the worksite. 3. Identify current limitations internet-based interventions aimed at physical activity promotion in the worksite. 4. Describe recommendations for future internet-based interventions aimed at physical activity promotion in the worksite.

Keywords: Worksite, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the co-investigator for interventions focused on decreasing risk for Type II Diabetes in sedentary people. My scientific interests are in chronic disease prevention through physical activity.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3097.0: Environmental / Occupational Health Student Projects