Journal article
Worksite Based Walking Competition: Effects on Perceived Stress and Physical Activity in Female University Employees
Journal of Fitness Research, Vol.3(1), pp.33-39
2014
Abstract
Introduction: Stress is an increasing concern for female university employees, due to increasing work hours and stress induced by trying to maintain work-life balance. Therefore, it is important for worksite health promotion programs to focus on effective stress management programs, especially for women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a worksite walking competition could decrease stress and increase physical activity levels for female university employees. Methods: Thirty-nine female employees who participated in the four week Workplace Walkoff Competition (WWC) volunteered for the study. Perceived stress, days walking, and days of moderate and vigorous physical activity per week were assessed before and after the competition. Results: There was a significant decrease in perceived stress pre- to post-competition (PSQ Mean Score = 0.32±0.16 vs. Mean Score = 0.27±0.12, p = 0.012). There was a significant increase in walking days per week pre- to postcompetition (Mean = 4.4±2.3 days vs. Mean = 5.8±1.8 days, p < 0.001). Despite a trend, there was no change in moderate physical activity pre- to post-competition (Mean = 2.5±2.1 days vs. Mean = 3.1±2.4 days, p = 0.07) However, there was a significant increase in vigorous physical activity days pre- to post-competition (Mean = 2.2±2.0 days vs. Mean = 2.8±2.3 days, p = 0.03). Discussion: The ability to carry out low cost, short term programs at universities without continuous health promotion programs may have potential for improving stress and employee health indicators, including physical activity amounts. Conclusions: Worksite walking competitions may be implemented as an effective intervention to improve health indicators in female university employees. The improvements in health indicators are an overall benefit to the workplace.
Details
- Title
- Worksite Based Walking Competition: Effects on Perceived Stress and Physical Activity in Female University Employees
- Authors
- Lisa J Leininger (Author) - California State University, United StatesBreanna Z Orozco (Author) - California State University, United StatesKent J Adams (Author) - California State University, United States
- Publication details
- Journal of Fitness Research, Vol.3(1), pp.33-39
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Fitness
- Date published
- 2014
- ISSN
- 2201-5655
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2014 Australian Institute of Fitness. Reproduced with permission of the publisher.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449837102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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