Promoting Physical Activity among Workers: A Review of Literature and Future Directions on Developing Theory-Based Interventions

Yan Sun, Yang Gao (), Siyue Yu, Aiwei Wang, Xiaoting Ou, Dan Tao and Julien S. Baker
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Yan Sun: Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Yang Gao: Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Siyue Yu: JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
Aiwei Wang: Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Xiaoting Ou: Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Dan Tao: Department of Government and International Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Julien S. Baker: Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-12

Abstract: Insufficient physical activity (PA) has been identified as a leading risk factor for premature and all-cause death, as well as non-communicable diseases. Employees, especially those with low occupational PA, are more vulnerable to physical inactivity, and studies in this population are scarce. However, employees may receive benefits for both health and work productivity from PA. Therefore, well-designed behavior change studies to promote PA in employees are urgently needed, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature was searched before 30 July 2022, and updated evidence was summarized. This review elaborates on the evidence related to insufficient PA and further provides an overview of theory-based interventions for promoting PA. Evidence indicates that intervention mapping (IM) was a useful tool to develop, implement, and evaluate behavior change interventions. Based on the IM framework, reviewing the theory- and evidence-based change methods and delivery modes, and further identifying the research gaps and limitations of existing interventions could provide promising suggestions and directions for development of well-founded interventions promoting PA among employees. The updated knowledge base for developing future interventions may boost efficacy and provide firm conclusions for researchers in this area.

Keywords: insufficient physical activity; working adults; theory-based intervention; intervention mapping; theories; behavior change techniques; delivery modes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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