Sharon Tucker, PhD, Principal Investigator, Director of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice. Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Abstract provided by PI: This study explores if targeting nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) activities in the worksite of 40 female ambulatory clinic RNs and MAs can influence physical activity (PA) levels and fat mass, and in turn productivity, injury and absenteeism. Relative to structured exercise, NEAT may be integrated into daily routines to improve PA, and may be more sustainable. Using a crossover design with repeated measures, we will examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of a 6-month worksite NEAT intervention, with and without personalized health coaching via texting, on PA levels, and health and productivity markers. Two ambulatory clinics will be randomly assigned to environmental intervention (EI) for 3 months followed by EI plus phone coaching for 3 months, or vice versa, with 3 repeated measurement time points. We will restructure work areas and provide a menu of NEAT activities and text health messaging to participants. Findings will guide further research grant development.
| Results & Dissemination |
Nursing is recognized as one of the most hazardous occupations, and nurses often work long and irregular work hours limiting their opportunities for engaging in healthy behaviors such as physical activity. Physical activity is not only good for the health of the employee, but can reduce safety risks and the number of sick days and work productivity. Sharon Tucker, a nursing professor at the University of Iowa, and her colleagues conducted a project funded by the Healthier Workforce Center at the University of Iowa to test the effectiveness of a workplace intervention with hospital nurses to increase low intensity physical activity on the job through workstation treadmills, walking meetings, stair climbing, gaming, and 3-minute video clips. Reinforcing text messages were also provided to employees. The intervention was successful in increasing physical activity in the workday by 22 minutes and decreasing absenteeism without reducing self-reported work productivity which is critical to other workplaces adopting these programs.