1. The analysis of a corporate physical activity intervention: A group-mediated cognitive-behavioral case study. Lynn Kabaroff, MHK Laurentian University Mark Eys, Ph.D. Wilfrid Laurier University

2. Physical Activity, Workplace Wellness and the Corporate Environment There are physical and psychological benefits of PA (The Public Health Agency of Canada, 2007), however the Canadian population is not active enough to realize these benefits (Godin et al.,1983; Statistics Canada, 2006)There are physical and psychological benefits of PA (The Public Health Agency of Canada, 2007), however the Canadian population is not active enough to realize these benefits (Godin et al.,1983; Statistics Canada, 2006) Economic impact of inactivity on the Canadian economy was estimated at $5.3 billion, or 2.6% of the 2001 total health care costs (Statistics Canada, 2007)Economic impact of inactivity on the Canadian economy was estimated at $5.3 billion, or 2.6% of the 2001 total health care costs (Statistics Canada, 2007) Wellness programs have positive effects for both employees’ physical/ mental health and work performance (Voit, 2000), and monetary savings for the corporation (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2004)Wellness programs have positive effects for both employees’ physical/ mental health and work performance (Voit, 2000), and monetary savings for the corporation (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2004)

3. The Group-Mediated, Cognitive Behavioral (GMCB) Approach Based on group dynamics principles to “develop group formation and identity, create the group’s common motivational base, and establish exercise and adherence expectancies that [are] of consequence to the group” (Brawley, Rejeski & Lutes, 2000)Based on group dynamics principles to “develop group formation and identity, create the group’s common motivational base, and establish exercise and adherence expectancies that [are] of consequence to the group” (Brawley, Rejeski & Lutes, 2000) 12-week program including discussion and PA12-week program including discussion and PA Previously successful with:Previously successful with: - asymptomatic older adults (Brawley et al., 2000) - symptomatic older adults (Brawley, Rejeski, & King, 2003; Focht et al., 2004; Rejeski et al., 2002; Rejeski et al., 2003) - post-natal mothers (Cramp & Brawley, 2006)

4. GMCB Outline 1.Promotion and development of group identity 2.Self-monitoring and the buddy system 3.Individual and group goal setting, dealing with failure 4.The ‘independent exerciser’, stages of change concept, barriers and strategies 5.Increasing active time by breaking up sedentary time 6.Replacing sedentary behaviours with active living 7.Recognition of ‘active’ people 8.Encouragement of more systematic independent self-monitoring and goal setting behaviour 9.Environmental cues 10.Self-planned activities and coping strategies 11.Relapse prevention and coping mechanisms 12.Results of the group goals and individual goals for the next month 13.Booster sessions as needed

5. Purpose To qualitatively assess the response to and effectiveness of the GMCB program within a corporate setting as communicated by the participantsTo qualitatively assess the response to and effectiveness of the GMCB program within a corporate setting as communicated by the participants Targeted sample of 20 “white collar” participants (male = 17, female = 3) from two departments within a corporate office in Northern Ontario

6. Mixed Methods Data Collection Quantitative Significant reductions in anthropometric measuresSignificant reductions in anthropometric measures –Body Fat % - f rom 21.32% to 18.50% –Body Mass Index - from 27.23 m 2 /kg to 26.60 m 2 /kg –Waist Girth - from 38.00 inches to 36.93 inches Weekly Fitness Log BooksWeekly Fitness Log Books –Increase in average frequency of PA from approx. 3 days per week to 4 days per week

7. Mixed Methods Data Collection Qualitative : Focus Group InterviewsFocus Group Interviews –Semi-structured interviews were all recorded and transcribed verbatim –Reviewed and categorized separately by two researchers and any discrepancies solved by consensus –Five key questions were focused on E.g., “What did you think about the corporate involvement in this program? What changes, if any, would you like to see?”E.g., “What did you think about the corporate involvement in this program? What changes, if any, would you like to see?” E.g., “Think back again to your experiences and participation within the program and tell me some of the things that you felt helped you with your own physical activity goals. What did you feel were the strengths of the program?”E.g., “Think back again to your experiences and participation within the program and tell me some of the things that you felt helped you with your own physical activity goals. What did you feel were the strengths of the program?” –Identified themes and categories were brought back to the group for validation purposes

8. Focus Group Transcriptions Corporate GMCB program (305) Context (29) Program Positives (86) Program Negatives (33) The Corporation (61) Future Directions (96)

9. Program Positives (86) Group Walk (18) Increased Awareness (6) Lifescale (3) Access to Personal Trainer (15) Individual Approach (3) Support to Management (2) Role Modeling (3) Buddy System (2) Group Motivation (3) Log Book Tracking (6) Education (19) Team Building/ Group Decision Making (6)

10. The Corporation (61) Supervisor Support (14) Facility Flexibility (10) Meeting Hierarchy (8) Gym vs. Monetary Reimbursement (15) Culture (5) Company Policies (5) Company Support (4)

11. Future Directions (96) Next Steps (11) Timing (11) Educational Content and Specific Topics (17) Agenda (4) Smaller Group (2) Health and Safety Meeting (9) More Personal Trainer Time (9) More Organized Group Activities (5) More Staff/ Consultant Allocation (9) Gym or Monetary Reimbursement (13) More Measures and Accountability (6)

12. Discussion/Future Directions Positive support for corporate GMCB program Feedback from focus groups, group walk participationFeedback from focus groups, group walk participation Vocational team building Magnitude and impact on performance goalsMagnitude and impact on performance goals Improved lifestyle changes through mandatory staff meetingsImproved lifestyle changes through mandatory staff meetings

13. Conclusion The GMCB program can be successful at encouraging PA and addressing health indicators within a corporate environment and adds support to the existing GMCB literatureThe GMCB program can be successful at encouraging PA and addressing health indicators within a corporate environment and adds support to the existing GMCB literature Could be used to address other health and wellness issues and has the potential to aid in team building within the workplaceCould be used to address other health and wellness issues and has the potential to aid in team building within the workplace However, to have significant lasting positive results, appropriate corporate support is key and some program modifications (e.g., longer time period) may be required to enable individuals to become self- sufficient (i.e., self-regulating) exercisersHowever, to have significant lasting positive results, appropriate corporate support is key and some program modifications (e.g., longer time period) may be required to enable individuals to become self- sufficient (i.e., self-regulating) exercisers

14. Questions? Thank you for your attention