The Influence of the UCLH Work - Based Pedometer Challenge on Physical Activity and Exercise Self - Efficacy: A Pre-Post Test Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: The literature on the effect workbased pedometer interventions on physical activity levels measured by self-reporting scales have shown mixed results. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the University College London Hospital (UCLH) 6-week workbased pedometer challenge on physical activity levels, perceived health status and exercise self-efficacy. Secondary aims include investigating changes in weight, BMI and waist circumference. Methods: This study used a longitudinal pre-post intervention study design. 247 participants of the UCLH 2013 pedometer challenge from 580 who registered, filled out the online questionnaire, of these only 103 completed filling out the post pedometer questionnaire two months after the end of the challenge. Pre-and post-data were analyzed with paired t-tests. Results: Results showed that although there was an increase in reported physical activity after the pedometer challenge, this difference was not significant. Subjective data however showed that 40% of participants reported a change in physical activity after the pedometer challenge. There were significant differences in only perceived health status and waist circumference. No significant differences were identified in exercise self-efficacy, weight or BMI. Conclusion: Workbased pedometer challenges such as the 6-weeks UCLH pedometer challenge may be of insufficient duration to produce a change in physical activty, and exercise self-efficacy 2 months after the pedometer challenge is over. However a change in waist circumfernce suggests that some weight loss occurred and was maintained 2 months after the pedometer interventions.