A Five-Year Evaluation of the Bearfit Worksite Physical Activity Program

M. Patterson, Clinton A. Patterson, Shana M. Walsh, J. Bernhart
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Abstract

Background: Regular participation in physical activity is associated with many health benefits including reduced risk of chronic diseases, premature mortality, and improved mental health. However, many American adults do not engage in enough activity to achieve health benefits. Employers recognize the value of physical activity participation among employees as a means to reduce healthcare costs and increase employee productivity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to empirically evaluate a four-month worksite wellness program offered to university employees and their spouses over five years that was not originally intended for research purposes. A secondary aim was to add a description of a worksite wellness program to the body of literature that could be replicated by other universities and across other occupational settings. Methods: Participants enrolled in the BearFIT program received access to exercise facilities, group exercise classes, nutrition counseling, and invitations to special activity events. Weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, resting heart rate, body fat percentage, and flexibility were measured pre- and post-program. Results: 802 participants enrolled in the study; 387 of these completed the pre-test only and were removed from analyses. The final sample included 415 participants (79.3% female; mean age of 46.6 [SD=11.86; range 23-70]). Paired samples t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements in weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and flexibility in our sample. Resting heart rate decreased on average across participants, but not significantly. Conclusions: Results indicate the BearFIT program is a cost-effective means of promoting health in an occupational setting. Intervention planners should incorporate applicable methodology from the BearFIT program to future worksite wellness programs, and strengthen evaluations with more accurate measures of program participation and the conduction of cost-benefit analyses. Additional suggestions include emphasizing beginner activities tailored towards overweight and obese participants and seeking strategies to increase male participation.
Bearfit工作场所体育活动计划的五年评估
背景:经常参加体育活动与许多健康益处相关,包括降低慢性病、过早死亡的风险和改善心理健康。然而,许多美国成年人没有参加足够的活动来获得健康益处。雇主认识到员工参加体育活动的价值,认为这是降低医疗成本和提高员工生产力的一种手段。目的:本研究的目的是对一项为期四个月的工作场所健康计划进行实证评估,该计划面向大学员工及其配偶,为期五年,最初并非用于研究目的。第二个目的是将工作场所健康计划的描述添加到其他大学和其他职业环境中可以复制的文献中。方法:参加BearFIT计划的参与者获得了锻炼设施、团体锻炼课程、营养咨询和特殊活动的邀请。在训练前后分别测量体重、BMI、腰围、血压、静息心率、体脂率和柔韧性。结果:802名受试者入组;其中387人只完成了预测试,并从分析中删除。最终样本包括415名参与者(79.3%为女性;平均年龄46.6岁[SD=11.86;23 - 70])。配对样本t检验显示,在我们的样本中,体重、BMI、腰围、体脂率、收缩压和舒张压以及柔韧性方面都有统计学上的显著改善。参与者的静息心率平均下降,但并不明显。结论:结果表明,在职业环境中,BearFIT计划是一种经济有效的促进健康的手段。干预计划者应将BearFIT项目的适用方法纳入未来的工作场所健康项目,并通过更准确的项目参与措施和成本效益分析来加强评估。其他建议包括强调针对超重和肥胖参与者的初级活动,并寻求增加男性参与的策略。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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