Physical Activity Participation After a 16-Week Supervised Workplace Exercise RCT With a 15-Month Follow-Up

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of exercise supervision on short- and longer-term moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) participation.

Methods: Fifty-six Australian university employees completed a 16-week moderate-to-high intensity aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, and the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) 15 months later. Participants received either personal (SUP; n = 21) or non-personal (NPS; n = 19) exercise supervision at an onsite facility or exercised offsite with no supervision (CON; n = 16).

Results: A linear mixed model identified a significant group × time interaction effect for MVPA, with increases at 15-month follow-up for CON only. Pooled data suggested more participants completed ≥500 MET-minutes of weekly MVPA at 16 weeks (66%) and 15-month follow-up (68%) compared to baseline (54%).

Conclusions: A comprehensive health and fitness assessment and individually tailored exercise without personal supervision may promote ongoing MVPA.