Affiliations: University of Utah Health Plans, Salt Lake City, UT,
USA | Department of Physical Education, Brigham Young
University, Provo, UT, USA | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA | Department of Family and Preventive Medicine,
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Abstract: Objective: To measure the effect of a physical activity
intervention, based on social cognitive theory, delivered by a peer and a
professional leader. Design: Quasi-experimental. Setting: Three locations at a large Mid-Western railroad. Subjects: One hundred and forty-eight skilled labor employees
participated: one hundred and twenty completed the study. Measures: Self-reported energy expenditure, self-efficacy and stages
of change. Results: ANOVA and categorical analysis using rates and proportions
were used for evaluation. The peer group had a non-significant short-term
increase in energy expenditure of 3%, which returned to baseline post
intervention. The professional and control groups showed a non-significant
decrease in energy expenditure of 5% and 9%, respectively. The peer (p <
0.002) and professional groups (p < 0.004) showed significant increases in
average stages scores. The peer group maintained increases over time (p <
0.001). The peer and professional led groups showed a 54% and 24% increase in
the number of employees reporting regular physical activity over time,
respectively. The peer group also showed positive trends in self-efficacy. Conclusions: The peer intervention enhanced self-efficacy and
self-reported physical activity. A job layoff at the professional led site
confounded comparisons between locations. Employees reported high energy
expenditure and high BMI values, suggesting that a weight management
intervention may be more appropriate and appealing in this population.
