Workplace physical activity interventions: a systematic review

Dugdill, L; Brettle, A; Hulme, C; McCluskey, S; Long, AF

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to report a synopsis of a recent systematic review of the literature
regarding the effectiveness of workplace physical activity interventions, commissioned by the
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Design/methodology/approach – A search for English-language papers published between 1996
and 2007 was conducted using 12 relevant databases and associated grey literature. Search protocols
and analysis regarding study quality as recommended by NICE were utilised. Key inclusion criteria
were, workplace intervention aiming to increase physical activity, intervention aimed at working
adults, intervention initiated/endorsed by the employer, physical activity outcome. Thirty-three
studies (38 papers) met the inclusion criteria and were independently reviewed (checked by two
reviewers) with a narrative synthesis of findings.
Findings – Fourteen studies were graded as high quality or good quality. Evidence from previous
systematic reviews was inconclusive. Data regarding the effectiveness of stair walking interventions
was limited and intervention effects were short-lived. Three public sector studies provided evidence that
workplace walking interventions using pedometers can increase daily step counts. One good quality
study reported a positive intervention effect on walking to work behaviour (active travel) in
economically advantaged female employees. There was strong evidence that workplace counselling
influenced physical activity behaviour. There is a dearth of evidence for small and medium enterprises.
Research limitations/implications – Due to the necessary UK focus and time constraints, only
studies from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada were included.
Originality/value – The paper shows that there is a growing evidence base that workplace physical
activity interventions can positively influence physical activity behaviour.

Citation

Dugdill, L., Brettle, A., Hulme, C., McCluskey, S., & Long, A. (2008). Workplace physical activity interventions: a systematic review. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 1(1), 20-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538350810865578

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Feb 26, 2010
• Journal: International Journal of Workplace Health Management
• Print ISSN: 1753-8351
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 20-40
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17538350810865578
• Keywords: Workplace, Cost effectiveness, Personal health
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17538350810865578