"Step by Step": A Feasibility Study of the Promotion of Lunchtime Walking to Increase Physical Activity and Improve Mental Well-being in Sedentary Employees
"Step by Step": A Feasibility Study of the Promotion of Lunchtime Walking to Increase Physical Activity and Improve Mental Well-being in Sedentary Employees
Increasing rates of sedentary living, often complemented by obesity, among large segments of
 the adult population are associated with costs to individual health and well-being and
 thereby to society as a whole. Although some workplaces offer physical activity
 opportunities, those employees who tend to need it the most (i.e., the health needy) are
 often not attracted. In this project, the investigators propose to develop and evaluate a
 programme that is targeted to the sedentary health needy employees. The investigators will
 work with the corporate partner (a large university) to attract such employees through an
 extensive social marketing driven campaign. A 16-week lunchtime walking programme is proposed
 in which walking groups are offered followed by support and motivational strategies for
 longer term independent walking. The investigators will examine the effects of the programme
 on total amount of walking (including a follow-up assessment 4 months later) and will use
 innovative technology (Smartphones) to also examine the effect of lunchtime walks on
 well-being and work performance within and between participants.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  healthy, mobile, 18-65 year old employees who report they are engaging in less than 30
 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  employees with significant auditory or visual problems and those who have severe
 musculoskeletal disorders that prevent them from engaging in physical activity.
 Medical clearance will be requested for those who report any cardiovascular disease.