Developing a physical activity promotion program in the workplace: An intervention mapping approach

  The changing nature of work in today's world has caused a large number of people to be engaged in sedentary jobs. In such cases, lack of physical activity can lead to non-communicable diseases and increase morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to provide a step-by-step descriptive design, implementation, and evaluation of a physical activity promotion program in the workplace using an intervention mapping approach.

Methods and Materials:

 In this study, evidence-based and theory-based intervention design, guided by the steps of an intervention mapping approach, to promote physical activity in the workplace is described.

Physical activity intervention was performed based on workplace as well as individual and interpersonal, environmental, and organizational goals. Interventions include using the Ministry's gym for all employees, consulting with sports experts and instructors, increasing the Ministry's sport administration programs, holding a cultural festival for the participation and cooperation of all managers, employees and their families, photography, and painting competitions, and helping physical activity assistants for follow-up and feedback. Communication channels included posters, pamphlets, labels, motion graphics, stands, booklets, and movies.

Intervention mapping ensures transparency of all components of the intervention and provides a systematic, theory-based, and evidence-based approach to interventions development in the sedentary behavior changes among employees.