03 Jul “Walking Meetings” Can Improve Physical Fitness In White Collar Workplaces
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Caban-Martinez
Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, DO, PhD MPH, CPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Environment & Public Health
Associate Director, Miami Occupational Research Group
Director, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Occupational Health Lab
University of Miami
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Obesity remains one the largest public health burdens in the United States. Strategies that support healthy nutrition, physical activity and well-being are needed to achieve our national goals of Healthy People 2020. Opportunities for physical activity in the workplace are limited. As our U.S. economy moves from a blue-collar manufacturing enterprise to an increasingly service and information producing workforce, sedentary behavior at the worksite has unfortunately increased. Long work hours seated, short paths to printing or conference room meetings can be leading to increased overweight and obesity workforce trends documented in the U.S. population. Our University of Miami, occupational health and safety research team(www.CabanMartinezLAB.com) developed and evaluated a Walking Meeting (WaM) protocol for white-collar job site using input from thought leaders, key stakeholders, and the scientific and grey literature. We pilot tested the feasibility, acceptability and implementation of the WaM protocol in small group of white collar workers at a large university center. We found that converting just one seated meeting per week at work into a walking meeting increased the work-related physical activity levels of workers by 10 minutes. This increase in physical activity also supports the American Heart Association’s recommendations of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity for adults, or about 30 minutes each weekday.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: In this pilot study, we found that white-collar workers were receptive and interested in organizing and conducting Walking Meetings at work. Low-cost and low-burden health promotion activities that improve worker health and well-being and reduce obesity are needed across U.S. white-collar worksites.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: This Walking Meeting pilot study is not without limitations. The sample size was small necessitating a larger group of white collar workers engaged in various work types to participate. Linking levels of physical activity gained from Walking Meeting to other workplace measures on health, safety and well-being are needed. For example, we would like to further study the impact of Walking Meetings on individual worker mood and productivity. This pilot now sets the ground work to further examine the role of walking meetings on worker health and safety.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: White-collar business firms should consider policies that support the engagement of their employees in worksite-based health promotion activities. Walking Meetings, as evidenced in this pilot study are well accepted and can be easily implemented by the employees as a means of supporting their health at work.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Kling HE, Yang X, Messiah SE, Arheart KL, Brannan D, Caban-Martinez AJ. Opportunities for Increased Physical Activity in the Workplace: the Walking Meeting (WaM) Pilot Study, Miami, 2015. Prev Chronic Dis 2016;13:160111. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd13.160111.
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Last Updated on July 3, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD