Assessment of female participation in an employee 20-week walking incentive program at Marshfield Clinic: a large multispecialty group practice.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the short-term effect of a worksite-based walking incentive program to promote physical activity and well-being in employees of a private healthcare clinic.


METHODS
A prospective, observational follow-up study.


METHODS
The study was conducted at Marshfield Clinic, a large private multispecialty group practice healthcare institution in Marshfield,Wisconsin, USA.


METHODS
Subjects for this study were Marshfield Clinic physicians and staff.


METHODS
From March 31, 2005 to August 20, 2005, physical activity level, body mass index (BMI) and other well-being characteristics were observed pre- and post-program among 191 female participants from the Marshfield Clinic. A brief Web site-accessible, self-reported survey assessed the effectiveness of the exercise program.


RESULTS
Our data show a statistically significant (p <0.0001) increase in participants' physical activity level, while a significant (p = 0.021) decrease in mean BMI was observed. However, there was no evidence of our incentive program reducing participants' blood pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary findings of our study suggest that the goal of worksite programs designed to support employees in their efforts to improve or maintain their level of wellness is potentially achievable. Continuing research is needed to further assess whether persistent health benefits can be induced by worksite wellness programs.
Chyou
Po-Huang
PH
Biostatistics, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA. chyou.po-huang@mcrf.mfldclin.edu
Scheuer
David
D
Linneman
James G
JG
D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006759:Hospital-Physician Joint Ventures; D016304:Hospitals, Private; D006801:Humans; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016138:Walking; D014922:Wisconsin