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Physical activity interventions in the workplace: a review and future for New Zealand research

Badland, HM; Schofield, GM; (2004) Physical activity interventions in the workplace: a review and future for New Zealand research. New Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine , 32 (1) 14 - 19. Green open access

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Abstract

Aim: To examine the worksite physical activity intervention literature and discuss whether the findings are applicable to New Zealand worksite environments. Data sources: Information was sourced from major health databases using key words physical activity, intervention, worksite, workplace, and health promotion. The remainder of the literature search was directed from citations in the articles sourced from the original search. Study selection: Studies included in the review were related to worksite physical activity programmes and/or interventions. Programmes that incorporated screening and other risk behaviour management (for example smoking or stress management) but no health-related physical activity were excluded. Data extraction: The literature was systematically reviewed to evaluate the utility of worksite physical activity programmes for health in general and more specifically for their utility in application to New Zealand worksites. Effect size calculations were generated to quantify major studies. Symphysis: Despite convincing potential, data show little conclusive evidence that worksite interventions do increase long-term adherence to physical activity, provide health benefits, reduce absenteeism, or improve productivity. Problems include contamination through self-selection, high attrition rates, and poor outcome measures. A scarcity of New Zealand worksite physical activity research currently exists with no published accounts of evidence-based programmes identified. Conclusions: A comprehensive appraisal of worksite physical activity literature highlights the complexity of carrying out worksite physical activity interventions and drawing dose-response conclusions. Quality New Zealand research is needed to understand the specifics of the New Zealand workplace and how activity programmes might affect worker behaviour.

Type: Article
Title: Physical activity interventions in the workplace: a review and future for New Zealand research
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Publisher version: http://www.sportsmedicine.co.nz/
Language: English
Additional information: Full text reproduced here with permission of publisher
Keywords: physical activity, health, worksite, New Zealand, intervention
UCL classification: UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Epidemiology and Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Epidemiology and Health > Epidemiology and Public Health
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/138422
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