The Effect of a Pedometer‑based Program Improvement of Physical Activity in Tabriz University Employees

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce risk of morbidity and overall mortality. A study has displayed that achieving 10,000 steps/day is associated with
important health outcomes and have been used to promote PA. Pedometers are a popular tool for PA interventions in different setting. This study investigated the effects on pedometer‑based
and self‑reported PA among Tabriz University employees.

Methods: This experimental study assessed the effects of 16 weeks pedometer‑based workplace intervention. Participants (n = 154) were employees of two worksites. Pedometer‑based and
self‑reported PA from one intervention worksite was compared with the data of a comparison workplace. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for self‑reported measure of PA,
and demographic (age, marital status, educational level, employment status, and stage of change)
variables were obtained. To measure PA objectively pedometer was used.

Results: Participants reported to increase the step counts from baseline (end of summer) to posttest (winter). The intervention effect revealed significant increase in the intervention
group (8279 ± 2759 steps/day than in the comparison work place (4118 ± 1136). Self‑reported based on IPAQ concluded women in intervention worksite had a significant increase in the leisure time domain, but similar finding was not found in the comparison worksite.

Conclusions: Pedometer used might rather benefit those individuals who want feedback on their current PA, also walking should be considered to increase PA in employee women.

Keywords: Employees, pedometer‑based program, physical activity