Title
Effect of individual counseling on physical activity fitness and health: A randomized controlled trial in a workplace setting
Author
Proper, K.I.
Hildebrandt, V.H.
van der Beek, A.J.
Twisk, J.W.R.
van Mechelen, W.
Publication year
2003
Abstract
Background: Physical inactivity and obesity are major public health problems. Our objective was to investigate the effectiveness of an individual counseling intervention at the workplace on physical activity fitness and health. Counseling content derived from the Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise and Nutrition (PACE) program. Methods: A total of 299 employees of three municipal services in the Dutch town of Enschede were randomly allocated into intervention (n =131) and control group (n =168). Over a 9-month period, intervention group subjects were offered seven counseling sessions. Counseling was based on the individual's stage of behavioral change using PACE physical activity and nutrition protocols. Subjects in both the intervention and control group received written information about several lifestyle factors. Primary outcome measures were physical activity (total energy expenditure, during sports activities, during physical activity leisure time other than sports, and meeting the moderate-intensity public health recommendations); cardiorespiratory fitness; and prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Secondary outcome measures were body composition (body mass index [BMI], and percentage of body fat measured via skinfold thicknesses); blood pressure; and blood cholesterol. Results: There were significant positive effects on total energy expenditure, physical activity during sports, cardiorespiratory fitness, percentage of body fat, and blood cholesterol. No effects were found for the proportion of subjects meeting the public health recommendation of moderate-intensity physical activity, physical activity during leisure time other than sports, prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, body mass index, and blood pressure. Conclusions: Individual face-to-face counseling at the workplace based on PACE protocols positively influenced physical activity levels and some components of physical fitness. The implementation of workplace counseling programs for individuals should therefore be promoted. © 2003 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Subject
Workplace
Veilig en Gezond Werken
Lichaamshouding
Lichaamsbeweging
Gezondheidstoestand
Ziekte en Gezondheid
Lifestyle
Nederland
GVO
Therapie
Gezondheidsvoorlichting en -opvoeding
GVO
Lichaamsgewicht
Bedrijfsfitness
Blood pressure regulation
Body fat
Body mass
Cholesterol blood level
Clinical trial
Controlled clinical trial
Controlled study
Energy expenditure
Fitness
Health behavior
Lifestyle
Musculoskeletal disease
Nutrition
Outcomes research
Patient counseling
Physical activity
Prevalence
Randomized controlled trial
Adult
Counseling
Energy Metabolism
Female
Health Promotion
Health Status Indicators
Humans
Life Style
Male
Middle Aged
Netherlands
Occupational Health Services
Physical Fitness
Single-Blind Method
Workplace
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-3797(02)00645-1
TNO identifier
237039
ISSN
0749-3797
Source
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24 (3), 218-226
Document type
article