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E-technology and Pedometer Walking Program to Increase Physical Activity at Work

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Abstract

This study examined the application of the transtheoretical model (TTM) as a means to increase physical activity at the worksite through the introduction of a 10-week pedometer walking program combined with internet-based motivational messages. Participants (N = 206) were employees of two worksites who completed a health history questionnaire and assessment based on the TTM. There were significant improvements in the number of steps per week, level of physical activity, movement through stage of change and other health related indicators (p < 0.05). The worksite pedometer walking program and e-technology may be effective interventions in improving the lifestyle of employees who might be at risk for developing chronic diseases. Editors’ Strategic Implications: Because walking is an inexpensive, easy, and convenient form of physical activity for many adults, implementation of this type of workplace program––with the important element of increasing individuals’ awareness of risks––could be an effective approach to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and manage overweight and obesity in sedentary adults. Future research should compare this simple model with more individualized (but often more expensive) programs.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant from the CDC and the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. The authors thank each of their volunteers, participants, and graduate assistants, especially Jodi Petrozak and Mimi Zoladia of New Haven Family Alliance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Allied Health Sciences/Health Promotion, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, U-2101, Storrs, CT, 06269-2101, USA

    Pouran D. Faghri, Cynthia Omokaro, Sara Gustavesen & Erika Blozie

  2. State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA

    Christine Parker & Eugene Nichols

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  1. Pouran D. Faghri
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  2. Cynthia Omokaro
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  3. Christine Parker
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  4. Eugene Nichols
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Correspondence to Pouran D. Faghri.

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Faghri, P.D., Omokaro, C., Parker, C. et al. E-technology and Pedometer Walking Program to Increase Physical Activity at Work. J Primary Prevent 29, 73–91 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-007-0121-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-007-0121-9

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