The effectiveness of a community-centered approach to workplace health promotions

Purpose: To determine the effects of a community-orientated workplace wellness program on (1) the physical activity status, (2) physiological variables and (3) health behaviours of an adult working population. Gender differences were also explored. Methods: Participants were 97 sedentary adult employees who volunteered to participate in the study. The intervention consisted of motivational and educational materials encouraging family and friend involvement, a nutritional and exercise challenge, pedometer use, and the 10,000 steps goal. Body fat, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity status (questionnaire), and lifestyle behaviours (questionnaire) were assessed at baseline and immediately following the 12 week intervention. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess changes in physical activity status. Doubly multivariate ANOVAs were used to determine significant changes in physiological variables and lifestyle behaviours. Results: Physical activity participation significantly increased in the intervention group when compared to the comparison group (