1. Experiences of a Walking Intervention in a University Community: Qualitative Perspectives
Tracy L Washington1, Dominic Orth1, Jerome N Rachele1 and Nicholas Gilson2
1 Queensland University of Technology, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, Australia
2The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement Studies, St. Lucia, Australia
Background: This study explored the experiences of university employees that participated in a walking intervention that encouraged individuals to walk more throughout their workday. The 10-week program was comprised of 5 phases (i.e. baseline, anticipating barriers, short planned walks, longer planned walks and maintenance) and utilized a pedometer diary and an online website for logging steps. The pedometer diary included “action plans” for addressing barriers and planning walking and the online dashboard provided graphical outputs that allowed participants to visualize whether they were reaching or exceeding their step targets.
Figure 2. Online website screenshot
Methods: A subsample of 12 academic and administrative employees from the study completed open ended questionnaires at the end of the study. The questions focused on capturing the major themes of benefits/ mediators and problems/ moderators of the program and were assessed using phenomenological approaches.
Figure 1. Walk route example
Results: Participants found a raised consciousness of physical inactivity throughout the work day. They also found it useful to have a graphical display of physical activity patterns, but found time constraints and lack of managerial support to be the primary barriers/ moderators of the program. Those most likely to withdraw from the program experienced technical difficulties with objective monitors and the online website.
Conclusions: Findings highlight the value in being involved in a group forum and provide insights into the challenges of supporting such programs within the workplace.
. ...Improving health through
workplace physical activity