Workplace Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions

Sedentary living is prevalent in society despiteevidence on the health benefits of exercise andphysical activity. Against this background theworkplace can provide a key setting from which topromote lifestyle health improvement. There arevarious opportunities perspectives and outcomes tobe explored in the evaluation of workplace physicalactivity interventions. This book reflects thecomplexity of evaluation using a multi-perspectiveapproach and behavioural theory to explore thepotential effectiveness of interventions. Thecomparison of lifestyle activity messages (moderateintensity) and structured ones (more vigorousintensity) is a major theme. Three methodologicalapproaches are used: a systematic review of evidencea qualitative study of employer views and surveys ofemployee responses to different interventions. Thebook offers new insight into motivations and barriersrelating to potential management support for andemployee participation in workplace physicalactivity interventions. It also demonstrates theusefulness of adopting a rigorous exploratoryresearch approach. It is addressed to researchersand decision-makers alike.