Modest effects of a controlled worksite environmental intervention on cardiovascular risk in office workers.
OBJECTIVE
To present the effects of a relatively modest environmental intervention on biological cardiovascular risk indicators.


METHODS
A controlled trial, including two worksites. Measurements (i.e., body composition, blood pressure and serum cholesterol) took place at baseline and at 3- and 12-month follow-up. The 12-month environmental intervention (The Hague, The Netherlands, 2004) consisted of: a 'Food'-part: to stimulate healthier food choices by means of product information in the canteen, and a 'Steps'-part: focused on stimulating stair use by means of motivational prompts in staircases and on elevator doors.


RESULTS
Significant differences in change between groups (n=540) in favor of the intervention group were found on: [1] total cholesterol for women (-0.35 mmol/l); [2] HDL for men at 3 months (0.05 mmol/l) and 12 months (0.10 mmol/l); and [3] the total-HDL ratio for the total intervention group at 3 and 12 months (-0.45 mmol/l). Both groups showed a decrease in all body composition values at both follow-ups. A significant difference in change in systolic BP was found in favor of the control group (approximately 4 mm Hg), due to an increase in the intervention group at both follow-ups.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the contrasting results, this modest environmental intervention was ineffective in reducing cardiovascular risk in a population of office workers.
Engbers
Luuk H
LH
Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van Poppel
Mireille N M
MN
van Mechelen
Willem
W
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D015415:Biomarkers; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001823:Body Composition; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D015397:Program Evaluation; D017132:Workplace
D015415:Biomarkers; D002784:Cholesterol