Proposal of a Comprehensive and Multi-Component Approach to Promote Physical Activity among Japanese Office Workers: A Qualitative Focus Group Interview Study

Jihoon Kim, Ryoko Mizushima, Kotaro Nishida, Masahiro Morimoto and Yoshio Nakata
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Jihoon Kim: Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8574, Japan
Ryoko Mizushima: Department of Sports Research, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan
Kotaro Nishida: Risk Management Dept. 4th, MS &AD InterRisk Research & Consulting, Inc., WATERRAS ANNEX (10F & 11F), 2-105, Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0063, Japan
Masahiro Morimoto: Risk Management Dept. 4th, MS &AD InterRisk Research & Consulting, Inc., WATERRAS ANNEX (10F & 11F), 2-105, Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0063, Japan
Yoshio Nakata: Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8574, Japan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: Office workers spend up to two-thirds of their working hours sitting and are less physically active than other occupational groups. It is necessary to develop an effective approach to promote physical activity among office workers. We conducted a focus group interview with seven Japanese office workers to investigate the current status (topic 1) of, and their opinions on (topic 2), physical activity promotion programs in their workplace. Data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis. We classified the data from topic 1 into individual, socio-cultural, physical, and organizational environments. Most participants indicated that they spent a lot of time sitting and needed programs for a wide range of corresponding employee demands. We classified the data from topic 2 into capability, opportunity, and motivation. Most participants indicated that they wanted evidence-based information, a standing desk, and a conducive workplace environment to enhance physical activity. Thus, we proposed a comprehensive and multi-component approach comprising individual (information delivery), socio-cultural environment (team building, supportive atmosphere), physical environment (standing desk, use of poster), and organizational (incentive, encouraging message from an executive, workplace policy) strategies. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of this proposal.

Keywords: exercise; workplace; health promotion; behavioral research; Japan; social-ecological model; COM-B model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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