A pilot study evaluating a peer led and professional led physical activity intervention with blue-collar employees.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the effect of a physical activity intervention, based on social cognitive theory, delivered by a peer and a professional leader.


METHODS
Quasi-experimental.


METHODS
Three locations at a large Mid-Western railroad.


METHODS
One hundred and forty-eight skilled labor employees participated: one hundred and twenty completed the study.


METHODS
Self-reported energy expenditure, self-efficacy and stages of change.


RESULTS
ANOVA and categorical analysis using rates and proportions were used for evaluation. The peer group had a non-significant short-term increase in energy expenditure of 3%, which returned to baseline post intervention. The professional and control groups showed a non-significant decrease in energy expenditure of 5% and 9%, respectively. The peer (p < 0.002) and professional groups (p < 0.004) showed significant increases in average stages scores. The peer group maintained increases over time (p < 0.001). The peer and professional led groups showed a 54% and 24% increase in the number of employees reporting regular physical activity over time, respectively. The peer group also showed positive trends in self-efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
The peer intervention enhanced self-efficacy and self-reported physical activity. A job layoff at the professional led site confounded comparisons between locations. Employees reported high energy expenditure and high BMI values, suggesting that a weight management intervention may be more appropriate and appealing in this population.
University of Utah Health Plans, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. RUSS_elbel@msn.com
Russ
R
Elbel
Steve
S
Aldana
Don
D
Bloswick
Joseph L
JL
Lyon
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014589:Utah