Effectiveness of a workplace walking program using a fitness tracker including individual counseling and tailored text messaging [피트니스 트래커를 활용한 사업장 걷기운동 프로그램의 효과: 개별 상담과 맞춤형 문자메시지 적용]

Abstract

Purpose: This study is designed as a non-equivalent, control group pre/post-test for identifying effectiveness of a workplace walking program using a fitness tracker including individual counseling and tailored text messaging. Methods: Seventy-nine employees from two large companies were allocated into an intervention group (n=39) and a control group (n=40). Participants were asked to wear a fitness tracker (Fitbit Charger HR) during 24-hour, 5-days per week, for 10 weeks. The intervention group was provided with daily walking steps measured by Fitbit, weekly counseling with a specifically designed workbook, and seven weekly text messaging, and the control group with the fitness tracker only. Results: At the week 10 measurement, there were significant differences between the intervention and control groups in physical activity self-efficacy (p < .001), physical activity behavior (p < .001), daily walking steps (p < .001), systolic blood pressure (p=.033), and wellness (p < .001). Conclusion: These results suggest that the workplace walking program using a fitness tracker including individual counseling and tailored text messaging is more effective for persons with 10,000 steps/day. Therefore, it is recommended to actively apply this workplace walking program to inactive employees for encouraging regular physical activities and improving their wellness. ? 2019 Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.