The effects of worksite wellness on physical activity and nutrition /

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to conduct an experimental intervention using the Theory of Planned Behavior to explain intentions and behavior regarding nutrition consumption and physical activity. One hundred and seven employees of a university in the United States volunteered and were randomly assigned to the treatment group or the wait-list control group. A population control group (n = 78) was randomly selected from the overall employee population. The treatment group participants were provided a specific nutrition and physical activity challenge for five weeks.

A randomized pre-test post-test experimental design was used. Outcome measures included the number of days five or more fruits and vegetables were consumed, the number of days 10,000 steps were taken, and their respective measures of intention. Analysis of Covariance was used.

Among participants with lower physical activity intention at pre-test, the treatment group had higher intention at post-test than did the control groups but not among those with higher physical activity intention at pre-test.

For the participants who intended to walk one or four days of 10,000 steps per week, the treatment group took more 10,000 step days than did the control groups. For the participants who intended to walk two days of 10,000 steps per week, the treatment group took more 10,000 step days than did population control group, but not the wait-list control group. There was not a group effect among those who intended to walk three days of 10,000 steps per week.

Among those who had lower pre-test nutrition intention, the treatment group had higher nutrition intention at post-test than did the control groups. There was no group effect on post-test nutrition intention among those who had higher pre-test nutrition intention.

Among those with lower pre-test nutrition intention, there was no group effect on the number of days participants consumed five or more fruits and vegetables. Among those with higher pre-test nutrition intention, the treatment group had more days of fruit and vegetable consumption than did the control groups.

Results of this study help verify that the Theory of Planned Behavior is a useful framework for a wellness intervention among employees.

Key Words: Planned Behavior, Intention, Experiment, Random sampling, Employee Fitness, Physical activity, Exercise, Nutrition, Fruit, Vegetables, Walking, Pedometer, College Environment.