Affiliations: Department of Psychology, University of Westminster,
London, UK | Public Relations and Public Affairs, Central YMCA,
London, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Sarah Edmunds, Department of
Psychology, University of Westminster, London, W1B 2UW, UK. Tel.: +44 0207 911
5000, ext. 69026; Fax: +44 0207 911 5106; E-mail: Edmunds@westminster.ac.uk
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Workplaces have potential as a setting for physical
activity promotion but evidence of the effectiveness of intervention programmes
in small and medium sized enterprises is limited. This paper reports the impact
of an intervention which trained existing employees to promote physical
activity to their colleagues. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-nine previously low-active employees from 17
small and medium sized organisations participated. METHODS: A mixed methods evaluation design was used. Quantitative
data were collected at baseline and 6 months later using an online
questionnaire. Qualitative data from a series of 6 focus groups were analysed.
RESULTS: Repeated measures t-tests showed significant increases over
time in physical activity, general health rating, satisfaction with life and
positive mood states. There were significant decreases in body mass index
(BMI), perceived stress, negative mood states and presenteeism. There was no
change in absenteeism. Analysis of focus group data provided further insight
into the impact of the intervention. Five major themes emerged: awareness of
physical activity; sustaining physical activity behaviour change; improved
health and well-being; enhanced social networks; and embedding physical
activity in the workplace culture. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows it is feasible and effective to train
employees in small and medium sized enterprises to support their colleagues in
physical activity behaviour change.
Keywords: Natural helper intervention, social support, well-being, health promotion in the workplace
